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indiscriminately lest they overburden the universe and its resources. Regular periods of fasting for self-purification are encouraged.
In their use of the earth's resources, Jains take their cue from the 'bee that sucks honey in the blossoms of the tree without hurting the blossom, and strengthens itself.' Wants should be reduced, desires curbed, and consumption levels kept within reasonable limits. Using any resource beyond one's needs and misuse of any part of nature is considered a part of the theft.
Charity
Accumulation of materials and enjoyment for personal ends should be minimized. Giving charitable donations and one's time for community, religious, and social projects generously is a part of a Jain householder's obligations. That explains why the Jain temples and Jain pilgrimage centers are well-endowed and well-managed. It is this sense of social obligation that has led Jains to found and maintain innumerable schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, hostels, orphanages, and relief and rehabilitation camps for the old, handicapped, sick, poor, and disadvantaged. Wealthy individuals are advised to recognize that beyond a certain point, their wealth in superfluous to their needs, and that they should manage the surplus as trustees for social benefit.
The five fundamental teachings of Jainism and the five-fold Jain code of conduct outlined above are deeply rooted in living ethos in unbroken continuity across the centuries. They offer the world today a time-tested anchor of moral imperatives and a viable route plan for humanity's common pilgrimage for holistic environmental protection, peace, and harmony in the universe.
Dr. L. M. Singhvi is a distinguished jurist who served as the High Commissioner of India to Great Britain. He presented this declaration to His Royal Highness Prince Philip, President of the World Wide Fund for Nature International on 23rd October 1990, at Buckingham Palace.
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