Jainism and Democracy

Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: I A S S Jain Conference New Delhi

Page 52

PANCHA SILA
39.
when they are removed the person becomes non-violent naturally and reaches the state of perfect character. According to the non-Buddhist systems the journey of the spirit ends with this. But in Buddhism the new ideal of Mahakaruna i.e. Great compassion; emerges after that stage and the Bodhisattva tries for salvation of other suffering people. He does not enter into Nirvana as long as there is a single soul suffering from the miseries of this world.
Another speciality of Buddhism is its emphasis on the subjective side. It prescribes many formulas for the cultivation and purification of mind.
In Jainism the cult of non-violence has taken quite a new turn. It has become the very foundation of Jain religion as well as philosophy.
The basic principle on which the Mahavira's massage of non-violence stands is the feeling of equality (Samata). In Ayara he says "You yourself are the being which you intend to ill-use, you yourself are the being which you intend to insult, you yourself are the being which you intend to torment. You yourself are the being which you intend to prosecute.”
Every monk and householder recites in his daily prayers “मित्ती मे सव्वभूएसु वेरं भज्झ न केणई". I have friendship with all and enmiry with none.
This fellow-feeling has developed into the following four respects, which cover the entire region of Jain philosophy and religion :
1. Respect for Life.. 2. Respect for Mind.