________________
Thus their Karuņā results in Sevā. Thus Ahimsā, Karuņā and Sevā are interrelated and are conducive both to individual and social progress. It is significant to point out that Mahavira's social mind exhorted that Ahirsā consists in recognising the dignity of man irrespective of caste, colour and creed. Man is man and should be recognised as such without any hesitation. The dignity of man is sacred and it is our duty to honour this dignity. Every individual, whether man or woman, should enjoy religious freedom without any distinction. A non-violent society can not subscribe to class exploitation and social oppression of man. Mahavira bestowed social prestige upon the down-trodden individuals. This led to the development of self-respect in them. Thus he showed that no man or woman should be deprived of availing himself of the opportunities of advancement. It is not idle to point out that in the present state of affairs the significance of Ahiṁsā can not be dispensed with. The easing of tensions and cessation of conflicts among states, the maintenance of universal peace and the promotion of human welfare can only be effected by suffusing world's atmosphere with the spirit of Ahimsā. This Ahimsite spirit of Mahavira extended itself even to the lowest scale of life and he promulgatód that life as such is basically indentical. Hence no living being should be hurt, enslaved and excited.
Ahimsā as end and means : It is of capital importance to note that Ahiṁsā can be both an extrinsic and intrinsic value, i.e. both value as a means and value as an end. This means that both the means and the ends are to be tested by the criterion of Ahimsā. Thus the principle that “the end justifies the means” need not be rejected as immoral, if the means and ends are judged through the criterion of Ahimsā. In fact, there is no inconsistency in saying that Ahimsā is both an end as well as a means.
Ahimsā. and Truth :. Along with Ahimsā, the Ācārānga speaks of Truth, and it tells us that one should be steadfast in Truth and says that he who fixes himself in Truth destroys all evil tendencies. Again it tells us to be decisive about truth and he who follows the behests of Truth overcomes death. Now the question arises how the two are related. In my opinion, the Ācārānga regards Ahimsā as
Jaina Mysticism and other essays
47
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
