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is the real follower? Mahāvīrareplied, “one who is rendering services to the needy ones is my real follower because he is following my teachings.”
The concept of non-violence and the regard for life is accepted by almost all the religions of the world. But Jainism observes it minutely. Jainism prohibits not only killing of human beings and animals but of the vegetable kingdom also. Harming the plants, polluting water and air are also the act of violence or Himsa, because, they disturb ecological balanceor peace. Its basic principle is that the life, in whatever form it may be, should be respected. We have no right to take another's life. Schweitzer remarks “To maintain, assist or enhance life is good. To destroy, harm or hinder is evil.” He further says "a day may come when reverence for all life will win universal recognition.”20 The Daśavaikālika mentions that everyone wants to live and not to die, as we do, for this simple reason Niggantha prohibits violence.” It can be said that the Jaina concept of non-violence is extremist and non practical, but we cannot challenge its relevance for human society.
About war Prof. K.S. Murthy maintains “Aggressive and unjust wars have been condemned by Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina scriptures and moralists, but they had to admit that defensive and just wars may have to be undertaken without giving up Maitri (friendliness) and Karuna (compassion) for people of both the sides.” It is true that in our times Mahatma Gandhi planned a nonviolent method of opposition and applied it successfully. But it is not possible for all to oppose non-violently with success. Only a man, unattached to his body and material objects and with a heart free from malice, can protect his rights non-violently. Again, such efforts can bear fruits only in a civilized and cultured human society. A non-violent opposition may be fruitful only if ranged
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