Book Title: Jainism
Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

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Page 142
________________ 4. On water - such inscriptions are momentary and vanish as quickly as they appear. Jain religion describes that the persons falling in the first category exhibit very distinct symptoms - clinching of fists, bloodshot eyes and grinding of teeth. They lose their serenity and in their rage of fury they become ruthless and may commit brutal crimes. In a journal published by the American Heart Association, a study showed that people who are more prone to getting angry are three times more likely than others to have a fatal cardiac arrest. Second, third and fourth depict gradual descent in the intensity of anger. In spite of very many efforts made in this direction to understand anger and to manage it, we must realise that we cannot get rid of or avoid anger altogether as we are humans, after all. However we can manage the anger. Greek philosopher Aristotle said, "Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time and for the right purpose, in the right way that is not within everybody's power that is not easy". Chinese philosopher Confucius said, "When anger rises, think of the consequences." Gurdief, a famous Sufi saint says, "If you are angry, do not answer immediately, answer only after a delay of 24 hours. He knew that anger is circumstantial and is rendered redundant once adequate time elapses." Lastly, we must form a habit to regret, whenever we lose our temper, or as soon as the angry words are out of the mouth. We can also put a sudden brake on the thought process and concentrate on breath and start counting inhalations and exhalations. One who is free from passions is a divine soul and experiences peace and happiness here and now. The control on passions causes the individual upliftment and their effect on society is tremendous. It gives birth to the discipline of good conduct and helps in achieving peace. (iv) Nonviolence The first chapter of Acharanga Sutra gives the message of non-violence with the details of abandonment of the weapons of violence. The concept of non-violence is so much highlighted in this chapter that it is included in the fundamental philosophy and ethical practices of Jainism. Truly speaking, Peace and Non-violence are no more subjects of philosophy; they are essentially human conduct. We find in Acharanga the detailed study of the non-violent conduct of ascetics; it is the main theme of Acharanga. Mahavira says, "All creatures desire to live and none wants to die. Consider all living beings are just like you, you should not kill them nor get them killed by others." This wisdom and understanding leads to observe abstinence from 142

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