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Jainism : The Cosmic Vision consideration and companionship for every living creature on this earth. Acharya Haribhadrasuri rightly says, the feeling of lasting consideration and companionship for others generates sacred feelings in our soul. This kind of consideration and feelings of companionship for every living organism on this earth leads one to practice sentimental and emotional closeness not only with human beings, not only with flora and fauna, but also with the earth, air and water, inspiring one to practice nonviolence towards every creature.
The Jain Agam Acharang Sutra while describing the ideology of the Jain religion viz-a-viz all the living organisms in the universe states that every organism possesses the inborn craving for sustained existence and, therefore, has a natural love and affection for its own life, every being craves for happiness, wants to be away from pain and agony and hence a prudent man never takes the life of others. Thus what one detests for oneself should be considered by him detestful for others also and when that is so, one should not inflict pain on others.
True non-violence is one which inspires us to make a ceaseless effort for seeking the happiness of the whole universe through deeds, thoughts and words. That is why the ruler of Gujarat, Kumarpal who occupied the throne in 1143 had said, the biggest sin in our life is to commit violence towards other living organisms. No one should be benefitted by committing an act of violence on others. Inspired by his Guru Hemchandracharya, Kumarpal pronounced Ahimsa (Amari) as his cult. This probably must be the first declaration of non-violence on this earth. He prohibited animal slaughter and declared that anyone
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