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The Householder's Dharma in Jainism.
BY
Kamta Prasad Jain, M.R.A.S. (Continued from page 78 of the last issue.)
THIS
HIS is, in short, the Jaina vow of Ahimsa and it is simple to follow In fact, the Jaina doctrine of Ahims, makes its follower a true, brave and god-fearing citizen; for, it expresses clearly that by neglecting to live a righteous life, you encourage the passions in yourself and others, which is also. Himsa and is condemnable. This negligence surely, is a cause of great harm to humanity and so actually it is. Jaina Ahimsa inspires the man to be bold and brave and it allows him to defend by all possible means, not merely himself or his near or dear ones, his country or religion, but all the living beings. And as a matter of fact, the great emperors (Chakravartis) of the Jaina Sastras, have attacked with arms and munitions all the countries of Bharat-ksetra and conquered them, simply to promote the cause of truth, and justice. They propagated the message of love all round. Really, the aim and intention of the followers of this more material kind of the Jaina Ahimsa, is not to do harm to others or to retard their spiritual advancement. In fact according to Jainism one commits Himsa only if he does an act carelessly or under the influence of passions.
Could this
Hence under the circumstances rightly the Jaina Ahimsa enjoins its follower, not only to 'live and let live,' but to help others to live a humane and respectful life. sublime ideal and a chivalrous one of course, be traced to a violent teaching. No, it is certainly not possible. So the greatest effect of Jainism upon its followers is that "it has saturated their souls with Ahimsa. Through centuries of tradition and discipline, it has become impossible for a true Jaina to hurt anyone in any way, by thought, word or action. Non1. Jaina Gazette, Vol. X. Nos. 11 & 12. 15
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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