Jainism

Author(s): Vallabh Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabh Smarak Nidhi

Page 56

the animal sacrifices prevalent in ancient times, So great was its influence in checking llinsa, that, Shankarachary had to change the whole aspect of Hinduism and modify its principle of Karmakand.
This mighty religion has been extremely unselfish in its service to this country. Wharever the Jains spread, they did not crave from the rulers whom they converted, the grants of Jahagirs or money. No! They were far above the self and self-denial was the ruling principle of their lives. They exhorted the mighty chiefs to grant the boon of Abhayadan to all living beings. They moved the hearts of the Rajput rulers and Mohamedan emperors and acquired from them, Formans and proclamations forbidding the slaughter of any animal in the whole of India, during their Pajbosan days. Thus the Jains by preventing the slaughter of animals have conferred an everlasting blessing on humanity.
In their extreme unselfishness the Jains have not stopped, in simply preventing animal slaughter, but have done and are doing even now benevolent services to lower creatures at enormous expenses and great personal sacrifice,