Jainism and World Problems

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 17

AHIMSA IS THE KEY TO WORLD PEACE
least should be, above racial and religious distinction. These are the really saintly men who practise Universal Love as a part of their religious discipline and the enlightened laymen who are fully impressed with the brotherhood of man, and the fact that in wishing evil to any one else one actually injures one's own soul. Observation and the study of human psychology fully support the view that a true saint will ever regard all humanity as his brethren, and will never think of hurting or harming any one in the least degree. To such a saint the practising of Universal Love comes easy. He looks upon none as his enemy. If a man abuse him, he is not displeased with him ; if one persecute him, he will be thinking of only one thing—how to serve him !
The man who does not practise Universal Love, does not Love all beings alike. He will not be loving the animals, and is sure to be indifferent even to the fate of the millions and millions of human beings whoin he does not love. Many who profess to follow the ideal of love in their lives do mot hesitate to devour the flesh of poor unfortunate animals.
It is idle to expect from such inen that they will stead. fastly adhere to the nobler view under all circumstances. During the last grcat European War religious priests on both sides went on blessing their own armies, and maintained that they were fighting the war of righteousness. Yet both sides professed the same religion, which was surely intended to be one of love. The explanation is that the sentiment was no deeper in their case than the lining membrane of their lips; their hearts were not affected by it. The past history of other nations also reveals the same sad truth in most case6. Probably the only exception is furnished by the followers of the Jaina Religion, who practise the rule of ahimsa. It is impossible for a Jaina saint to bless any offensive weapon or armies that are marching against their fellow men. There is not one instance where the Jaina Saints have forgotten theinselves and their religious obligation in this regard. The