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Compassion Towards Animals In the all-pervading principle adopted by the Jain religion which encompasses not merely human beings, but everything else also and it advocates non-violence towards animals and towards all other organisms – the religion perscribes merciful action and deeds towards all living creatures.
Consider the unflinching loyalty with which animals sometimes obey human beings ! Similar are the relations between man and other living organisms, establishing love, loyalty and dedication. Those, who have experienced the warmth of feelings that are expressed by the milch animals, beasts carrying load, animals who assist the warriors on the battle field, animals who protect homes, message-carrying birds etc. will always remain conscious of their duties towards them. That is why animals have been given a prominent place along with the great Tirthankara by the Jain religion.
To emphasise this, animal figures have inscribed just below the seat of the idols of the Tirthankara - e. g. the bull is inscribed below the seat of the idol of the first Tirthankara Rishabhadev, while the lion is found inscribed below the seat of the last Tirthankara Mahavira.
As a result of the close association between hunian beings and animals, the latter have come to be used in descriptions of human behaviour and qualities. For example, the swan is associated with knowledge and learning; the parrot is used to convey a sense of scholarship; the crane on the other hand symbolises the decietful nature of people; the ruddy goose or Sheldrake symbolises young lovers.
That is why the philanthropic acts, such as, the
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