Jain Journal 2014 07

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

Page 54

Dr. Anindita Mitra : Jain Response to Environmental Crisis
55
living beings deserve freedom from violence and interference, as well as---compassion, harmlessness, and respect for the sanctity of life in all forms 2. Jains agree that all living beings deserve respect and protection from violence through the doctrine of ahimsā, yet unlike deep ecology, Jains do not consider all beings to be equal, therefore contradicting deep ecology's biocentric egalitarianism. This idea of inherent value as a justification for a protectionist attitude towards the natural world is represented through the idea of animal rights and liberation. Jain animal rights groups have used the idea of value to protect animals in association with the doctrine of ahimsā. L.M. Singhvi in his Jain Declaration on Nature explains that, ---transgressions against the vow of non-violence include all froms of cruelty to animals and human beings.'3 Although deep ecology and Jainism both suggest that animal rights must be protected, the two have a different understanding of what animal protection means. Not only do Jains have a structured hierarchy of the animal kingdom, which deep ecology rejects, but the animal shelters (pinjrapoles) that are run by Jain philanthropic organizations do not fully protect animals in the manner in which deep ecology's ideal of inherent value requires.
Meat eating is considered to be the--biggest enemy of righteousness, purity and goodness in Janism!', and vegetrianism is one method that Jains have developed in an attempt to protect animals from harm and ensure their own positive karmic rebirth. Beyond vegetarianism, another concrete representation of Jain animal protection and ---living ahimsā is seen in the establishment of Jain pinjrapoles (animal shelters). The Mysore Pinjrapole Society in Mysore, Southern India describes its Mission Statement to : “Prevent Cow slaughter, protect cattle, shelter cattle, dogs, sheep, goats, horses, rabbits etc., that are weak and helpless, and provide, food, water, medical help to all animals”15. Pinjrapoles are seen as an active representation of ahimsā since---it is the duty of human beings to act for animal welfare16. Jain community groups often organize, run and fund, pinjrapoles that take in stray animals including cattle, elephants, dogs,