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PEACE THROUGH JAINISM
BY REUBEN THUKU, NAIROBI, KENYA
A great thinker once said "there is no political, social or monetary system capable of developing a harmonious civilisation, unless supported by constructive integral living". An integrated wholesome life requires a person to cultivate and flower physical, psychological and spiritual capabilities intensively; and then selflessly use them for the good of all. Thus each of us is entrusted with the duty and responsibility of either improving or degrading the world, since all are Interdependent.
As indicated by many extensive researches based on global well being the major cause world-wide suffering and sorrows can be attributed to human beings irresponsible actions and negative attitudes. Some of this malpractice would include:
SAVAGE HOSTILITY
According to written history, no war has ever been won. One war ends only to trigger another much complicated war. Our idea of peace is to manufacture and stock more destructive armaments. There is a highly competitive demand for improvising ultratorturing methods.
Not only are animals subjected to excruciating cruelty during laboratory experiments, whether for medical, decorative or commercial purposes; but also by eating their flesh as part of our diet, lowers our life quality. We become vulnerable to many diseases and emotionally absorb crude beastly passions, such as consistent agitation, inexplicable fear and insatiable lust featuring mainly. Plants and other creatures are victims of carefree brutal destruction and an incessantly poisoned environment.
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Jain Spirit July - September 1999
Jain Education International
HYPER INDIVIDUALISM
Plato argues: "Any civilisation overtaken by moral degeneration is heading towards disintegration." The immoral and unethical flood that is drowning the world today is due to minesmyopia. As the worldly wisdom declares: "mine is right." Social unity and integrity is nothing but a wild dream.
Old people are losing the will to live, and therefore die prematurely since nobody appreciates them. Youths feel frustrated because the elderly only preach but not practice what they teach. Widows and orphans are abandoned to ridicule and solitude with no consolation and very frequently their inheritance is viciously swindled by their would be protectors and trustees.
The handicapped people are treated as third-rate beings, left to survive on merciful alms and other casual meagre livelihood. As far as foreigners are concerned, they are subjected to cold malicious contempt and are converted into objects of exploitation. Needless to point out that children are pushed aside as nonentities... not worth attention. They can grow like wild grass.
ULTRA-COMMERCIALISM
Greed is overpowering us. Our ancestors in the past observed rituals and spirituals ceremonies during religious festivals, whilst we, their much learned offspring today, enthusiastically expect expensive commercial gifts from our acquaintances, during Dipawali, Christmas and other days of festivity. Grinding poverty all over the globe is originating from the famous motto: "Turn around three times and grab what you may." However, gluttony, hoarding and frivulous wastage also contribute to this unpleasant dilemma which is very dehumanising.
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UNBRIDLED TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT
Sad to relate, too much reliance on sophisticated computers and other machines has diverted human beings' attention from the real goal of life. Our eternal quest has been side-stepped. The brilliant technician has replaced the vulnerable Jina. And now in such a treacherous and stormy sea is it Jainism that provides the 'radar' to endure safe steering towards our cherished destiny?
Jainism is a philosophy and science that includes self-reliance and universal responsibility. By translating the teachings of Jainism into one's lifestyle, the person becomes a dynamic agent for solving the environmental, moral, social, psychological and spiritual problems of the world.
Besides the elaborate and grand knowledge available in Jain literature regarding the nature of the universe and countless sentient beings existing therein, Jainism offers four very influential and soul nourishing principles.
1. Ahimsa (Harmlessness) Since all life is one, harmony has to be expressed and practised at various levels.
a) Physically no creature should be deliberately harmed - vivisection should be avoided and vegetarianism practised.
b) One's speech has to be truthful, helpful, kind and above all pleasant.
c) By thinking positively frequently, the mental atmosphere of the world will be purified and freed from destructive and negative ideas.
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