Jain System in Nutshell

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Nij Gyan Sagar Shiksha Kosh Santa MP

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(27) meals now. It is said that vegetarianism can supplement for the food shortage of the world. It gives health, saves wealth and serves humanity. It induces noble qualities in human beings. It has now become an all-religious and universal movement rather than Jinist alone who were its ancient propounders.
The population growth, industrialisation gases and wastes, mis-use of forests and many other causes have led to enormous environmental problems including depletion of ozone layer. Large number of efforts are being made for cleaner environment. Brazil-type world conferences are being held to discuss ways and means in this direction. Televisions and other media are propagating for saving and planting trees and check misuse or avoidable use of water, fire and natural resources. People can argue religion has nothing to direct in this matter. However, Jinistic principle of animism and non-violence has much more to injunct us in this regard. The practice of inner non-violence should be able to instil a habit of not felling trees, destroy forests or injure 1-sensed beings unnecessarily. The Jaina vows of limiting wants and desistence from avoidables teach, one has to take as much from mother earth as much one can regenerate. This will maintain balance of forests and rains. The Afforestation festival was meant for this. The Jain books mention to use natural resources in proportion of your minimum wants. They realised interdependance of the eco-system centuries before Christ and have always been compassionate with plants and animals. These points have been detailed in Jaina declaration on Nature' presented to Prince Philip, London of World Wide Fund for Nature International in 1990. Moreover, it is agreed that environmental pollution is the result of greedy materialistic man overlooking religious seers. If one follows Jain code of non-violent conduct, avoids misusing nature, restrains his wants and materialistic trends, the problem may not go so critical. These practices require inbred training and resolve regarding non-passionate and non-attachmental life. It seems the religionists have not proved to be powerful sermonisers as to subdue the materialistic scientists. But it seems that man will have to turn back to seek refuge in religious tenets to solve his problems.
The individuals are at the crossroads today regarding practicing of Jinistic vows due to atmosphere charged with attractions towards contrariety. Men's conscience is being tested today. But afterall, religion aims at a goal towards which one must try to move with utmost care and as far as possible. It is hoped that Jaina teachings will survive the test for better peaceful society for which the Jainas cherish in terms of their overall tradition:
May all people be happy
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