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Jainism, viewed as a whole. rests on the four pillars which are (1) Ahimsa (non-violence), (2) Anekantavada (principle of relativity), (3) Aparigraha (non-acquisition, which to ordinary mortals is limited possession) and (4) Karma (deeds or actions).
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Ahimsa Non-violence; The universe is not for man alone. It is a field of evolution for all living beings. Life is sacred, not only irrespective of caste, colour, creed, or nationality. but also of size and mind of all living beings--at all levels-right down to the tiny ant or the humble worm. Man in his desire to continue his life, so that he may do the highest good while living here, is obliged to destroy life; but the fewer and the lower the forms of life he destroys, the less harmful Karmas or deeds he generates. This leads to strict vegetarianism Ahimsa in full positive meaning ranges from an act of simple kindness to a comprehensive outlook of universal fraternity. The practice does not stop at the devotee himself but goes further in as much as no violence shall be commissioned or consented to by an honest devotee.
Anekantavada: Principle of relativity: If an individual, a community or nation allows its vision to be narrowed by turning a deaf ear to the opinion of others, it is definitely heading for self-destruction. Jainism promises to reconcile all the conflicting schools, not by inducing any of them necessarily to abandon their favourite standpoints, but by proving to them that the standpoints of all others are tenable. The Integrity of Truth consists in this very variety of all its aspects.
to renounce
Aparigraha: Non-acquisition, which to ordinary limited possession: Every man needs things to comfortable, Jainism does not enjoin a layman everything that is only for the sadhu, the ascetic. But Jainism does enjoin a layman to set certain limit to his desires and wants so that he does not keep on acquiring and accumulating and in the process deny others their needs. How strange is the mind of man! It does not appreciate what it has and hankers
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mortals is make life
