Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 215
________________ Jainism: The Cosmic Vision approach to war, a very special thinking on it. The teachings of Bhagwan Mahavira underscore the following tenets as far as 'production' is concerned : 1. There should be no production of the means of destruction. 2. There should be no assembling of the means of destruction and the import and export of war materials. 3. The training of violence or destruction should not be given to anyone. Jain religion not only preaches us not to produce the means of violence and destruction, but also teaches us that such means should not be traded, bought or sold. Unfortunately, schools and training camps have now been established in many parts of the world, today, where persons are trained as terrorists and militants who can spread panic, violence and destruction of life and property on a massive scale by using the most sophisticated weapons produced specially for the purpose. In this context, the preachings of Lord Mahavira, detailed above, become more significant. If sincerely practised by the world, it would reduce terrorism and violence and would ensure a universal sense of security among the people. In the present world, consumerism is encouraging yet one more type of violence and insecurity. Almost every individual wants to ensure a certain high level of consumption for himself and for his family and when he cannot obtain it by fair means, he takes recourse to theft, murder, dacoity and kidnapping. These are old evils, but in to-day's society the propounders of consumerism stimulate great temptations and the evils are multiplied. The Jain, thinking on our worldly or economic life, 198 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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