Jain Prayers

Author(s): Sima Sheth, Vastupal Parikh, Anne Vallely, Prakash Mody
Publisher: Prakash Mody

Page 13

Ahinsä: Non-violence
The doctrine of non-violence (ahinsä) is the cardinal principle of Jainism. It is the foundation around which all other stipulations are laid. Ahinsä is the highest ethical principle and as a result, utmost importance has been given for adhering to its observance. According to Jainism, ahinsä is practiced through non-violence of mind, speech and body.
All living beings are souls,
alive and conscious, just like me. As I like to be happy and do not like to be in pain, in the same way, all living beings like to be happy
and do not like to be in pain.
By keeping this insight
at the core of my being, I will not cause any harm, pain or loss of life to any living being.
Comment: Source:
P.JIS Yogashastra by Great Hemchandrächärya (11th century)
There is nothing so small and subtle as the atom, Nor any element so vast as space.
In the same way, There is no attribute of soul more subtle than ahinsa,
And no virtue of spirit greater than
Reverence for all life.
Comment: Source:
I, S Mahavir Bhagavati Sar, Book V
Book of Jain Prayers
13