________________ Harmlessness is the Supreme Religion Guru Nanak Knowledge combined with application is a path to salvation. ज्ञान क्रियाभ्याम् मोक्षः Jain Scriptures The truth is great. The conduct is much greater. The human kind does not lack in knowledge of religious principles, it lacks in their application. Gandhiji The ultimate aim of knowledge is action. Dale Carnegie These four insightful statements have a common thread. It is the application of knowledge. Religion has a very limited value unless it becomes a code of conduct and is applied in daily life. Thus it is essential for us to question our practice of engaging in empty talks and discussions but with very little to show for in the conduct. We can discuss many issues; however, until we put actions behind these words, the full meaning will not be realized. The harmony between thought and action will be put to a severe test as we ponder over the issues raised in this book. As we assimilate into Western culture, and as Eastern culture loses its impact on our children, these issues will indeed become very critical. They will require us to make a conscious decision on what we eat, what we wear, how we entertain ourselves, and more importantly, how we raise our children. If we really believe in nonviolence and compassion towards all beings, we must practice those "Beliefs" in our daily lives to make them meaningful. This book makes a humble attempt to move us in this direction. "Live and Let Live" Anop R. Vora (Rochester, NY) PERUROW YKTINYA अहिंसा परमो धर्म Harmlessness Is the Supreme Religion यदि प्राणदान तुम दे न सको, तो प्राण किसीके मत हरना यदि अपना जीवन प्यारा है, तो औरोंको जीने देना .... प्रकतीने हमको समझाया, तुम सबके उपर दया करो जीवन सबको वरदान मीला, तुम नहीं किसीके प्राण हरो अनमोल सभीका जीवन है, वो जीवन लेकर क्या करना .... If you cannot give life, you should not take life either If you love your own life dearly, let others also live their lives freely. The nature has taught us, that we should be kind to all Life is a blessing to each one, and we should not take anyone's life Life is so precious to each one, why should we take it at all? We got a tongue, so that we can sing praises of the Lord Then why should we succumb to its desires, and drink blood of creatures? Why should we make our stomach graveyard? Don't make it a crematory. These innocent animals and birds, without them the life would be so boring Why then are we so cruel to them, why are we killing and eating them? Let's stop this right now, let's walk on the path of Truth & Harmlessness. रसना हमको इस लिये मीली, इससे प्रभुका गुनगान करें फिर क्यों इससे लोलुपतावस, हम पशुरक्तका पान करें ये पेंट बने क्यों कब्र भला, इसको समशान नहीं करना .... ये पशुपक्षी भालेभोले, सुना संसार सजाते हैं। क्यों फिर हम हींसा करते हैं, क्यों मार इन्हें हम खाते हैं जागो मानव अब भी जागो, तुम सत्य अहिंसा पर चलना .... For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibreorg Jain Education International 2010_03
