________________ The Eternal Law THE RELIGION OF AHIMSA (Jaina Dharma) THE PURE, UNCHANGING, UNIVERSAL LAW NON-VIOLENCE OR NON-INJURY TO ANY LIVING BEING - people induland in front, "'The Arhats of the past, those of the "Above, below and in front, present and the future narrate thus, ' ' discourse thus, proclaim thus, people indulge in violent activities and affirm thus: 'One should against living beings individually not injure, subjugate, enslave, - and collectively in many ways; torture or kill any animal, discerning this, a wise man living being, organism on neither himself inflicts violence sentient being. This doctrine of on these bodies, non induces Non-Violence (Ahimsa Dharma) is others to do so, non approves immaculate, immutable and eternal." of their doing so." - Mahavira - Mahavira THE ANCIENT SYMBOL OF ACARANGA SUTRA, CHAPTER 4 JAIN NON-VIOLENCE: AHIMSA ACARANGA SUTRA, CHAPTER 1 "'The Arhats have propounded the doctrine of Non-Violence, one and all, equally for those who are desirous to practice it and those who are not, those who have abandoned violence and those who have not, those who are deeply engrossed in worldly ties and those who are not. This doctrine of shimsa is Truth. It is rightly enunciated here in the teachings of the Arhats. Comprehending the true spirit of the doctrine, one should practice it till one's last breath." ACARANGA SUTRA, CHAPTER 4 _' Mahavira Jain Dharma, which is identical to Ahimsa Dharma, has no beginning. It has been revealed and revived by many Tirthankaras. In the on-going cycles of time, there is a succession of development and decay, growth and degeneration. This is also reflected in the Dharma of non-violence. Though subject to periods of decadence, the Ahimsa Dharma is ageless and eternal. (6) Graphics and Design by Bernie Kramski Jainism by Mike Proudfoot and Irena Upenloko Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1993
