Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

Page 82

traditional ethical systems were developed primarily to deal with human relationships within a particular ethnic religion and cultural group.
In the depth of the human spirit, education will be most beneficial when it cultivates the principles of non-violence from childhood. Teachings and habits cultivated since an early age will help to keep any violent instincts under control.
Despite the influence of these well-known leaders in the world, there are daily occurrences of violence throughout the globe. People die from wars, terrorism, crime, murders and other such practices. Why does this violence prevail in the world, what are the causes of violence? Some major causes are pinpointed in the next section.
(v) Causes of Global Violence An Indian Saint, Mahapragya, believes that the results of modernization have not yet trickled down to the lowest strata of society and an endemic struggle for existence is bound to create a violent social disorder. To Mahapragya, poverty breeds violence and violence breeds instability in the world. In the modern world, we find that the concentration of economic power is in the hands of a few industrialized nations. They misuse and misapply the economic power for their ulterior goals and develop the culture of over consumerism. So how should we curb the pernicious impact of over consumerism?
Consumerism is the result of industrialization and industrialization is the result of applying tools and techniques of science. There are two creations of science: One that has increased the wellbeing of human beings (e.g. medicines, security) and the other that has decreased their welfare (e.g. weapons, destructive objects). If we all collectively decide to follow the path that leads to our safety and wellbeing, we will be able to curb the vicious cycle of over-consumerism.
Our mind-boggling ostentatious way of life is at the cost of other's life. Whatever forms of militancy, terrorism or violence we see around us are mainly due to economic reasons. Frustration is overpowering our unemployed youth, both skilled and unskilled. They are perpetually haunted by economic insecurity. Can we bring about a non-violent, peaceful and stable social order in the face of these economic challenges?
Now it is our turn to ponder over the means and methods to tackle the ever-deepening problem of violence all over world and in our societies and home.
The present Eleventh pontiff of Jain Swetamber Terapanthi sect. Acharya Mahashraman travelling on foot, along with his disciples and followers from one village to another, is preaching about the ill-effects of intoxicants, narcotics and others. This journey has become popular in India and neighboring country Nepal, as Ahimsa-yatra.