Jain Journal 1984 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 15

JAIN JOURNAL
universal love for all living creatures, we have to take vegetarian food. When we search the world history we learn that all pious and great thinkers of the universe were vegetarian. We should continue the movement for vegetarianism and prevention of cruelty to animals to propagate the feeling of one-ness in all living being, which is the root of nonviolence.18 Though we are living in a world of chronic conflicts and in constant dread of war, even then efforts may be done for peace between the warring nations and for betterment of mankind. The principles of non-possession (aparigraha) and non-absolutism (anekāntavāda) may solve the problem of war. These principles of Jaina ethics lead a man to eternal security and non-assertive attitude in thoughts, which will prevent the war-situation.
It is an accepted fact that the deeper significance of ahimsă consists in the elimination of war, which has harassed mankind since the dawn of civilisation. The easing of tensions and cessation of conflicts among states, the maintenance of universal peace and the promotion of human welfare can only be effected by suffusing world's atmosphere with the spirit of ahimsā. Dr. K. C. Sogani rightly observes that “The virtues of non-violence and aparigraha are capable of establishing universal peace. Non-violence can not be materialised in the life of the state without extirpating the passion of greed. The root cause of violence is material goods. If the importance of the virtue of aparigraha is understood at the international level, the attitude of non-violence will synchronise."14 In this way it is well known fact that ahimsā is the foundation and essence of all religions. It is deeply rooted in our great and long heritage and way of life. The implication of the precept of non-violence may be manifold. Shri V. P. Kothari has suggested that “All our resources be utilized to war against the common enemies of man namely—ignorance, poverty and disease. It is necessary to devise means and provide ways to resolve conflicts through negotiation, mediation, arbitration and tribunals, not through weapons involving total destruction. The teachings of our great religious and social leaders—like Mahavir, Gandhi, Vinoba, Martin Luther King etc. have moved men to noble deeds and have improved the quality of life. They have brought humanity nearer to the goal of peace and universal brotherhood. If the law of ahimsā were to take root in every heart, universal peace and prosperity would bless our world.”15
18 Tukol, T.K., 'Relevance of Jainism to Modern Thought' published in Jainism
in Karnatak Culture (ed.) T. G. Kalghatgi, Dharwad, 1977, p. 14-15. 14 Sogani, K.C., Ibid, p. 212. 16 Kothari, V.P., "The Law of Non-violence and its Relevance for all Times,'
J.S.S.S., Solapur, 1975, p. 42-43.