Jain Journal 1993 10

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

Page 38

OCTOBER, 1993
Religion of Ahińså :-Jaipa religion is considered to be the Religion of Ahimsa par excellence. It has a great tradition of handing over the much cherished cenect of Non-violence. Its scriptures and traditions subscribe to this predominent sentiment of ahimsås without which would lose its identity. "That dharma is supreme which is comprised of ahińså, samyama and tapa. The gods bow to him, whose mind is engrossed in such a dharma' (Dasavaikälika, I.1.)
'The Arhats and Bhagavats of the past, present and future, all say thus, speak thus, declare thus, explain thus all are a thing, existing living -sentient creation should not be slain, not treated with violence, not abused, nor tormented, nor driven away' (Achäränga, 1.4.1.1.
'He should cease to injure living beings whether they move or not, on bigh, before and on earth. When this has been called the nirvāņa, which consists in peace Sütrakrtanga, 1.11.11).
As it would be unto thee, so it is with him thou intendest to kill... In the same way (it is with him) whom thou intendest to punish and to drive' (Ācācānga, I, 5.3, 4)
"This is the quintessence of wisdom : not to kill anything. Know this to be the legitimate conclusion from the principle of the reciprocity with regard to non-killing' (Sūtrakstānga, 1.11.10).
A Jaina sage became a shelter for all sorts of afflicted creatures like an island which is never covered with water' (Acaranga, 1.6.5.4).
The metaphysical system evolved from an intense experience of 'pain of life's clearly shows the animistic belief in the presence of an eternal element called Jiva in every living beings :
1 The Trişastisalakapuruşa of Jinasena describes the breath-taking accounts in the
lives of several Tirthankaras how they were converted at the sight of the plight of apimals led to the slaughter house, how in life time they saved many creatures like the snake and how in their spiritual endevour, they were disturbed by poisonous creatures but were equanimous and resorted to least harming.
The emblems by which the Tirthnkaras are identified happen to be animals like bull, snake etc and trees.
The indigenous tribes worshipped the trees, animals like bull, snake etc and part of the worship and cult of Jainism is borrowed from these tribes. 2 Jacobi, Sacred Books of the East, Jaina Surras Vol. 22 and 45. 3 Ibid Tr. by K. C, Lalwani, Motilal Banarasidass, Delhi, 1973