________________
Non-Violence -
If we were to state the most important tenet of Jainism, it is non-violence. We cannot help but realise that violent thoughts are at the very root of all conflicts and the conflicts escalate when such thoughts are translated into actions. Jainism advocates giving up violence at both levels, resolution of all differences in a non-violent manner and thereby facilitates a conflict free life for its followers as well as for the society at large.
Respect For Others' Property Rights -
History is evidence to the fact that wealth and women have been the causes of most conflicts. The third major and minor vows for the clergy and the laity respectively enjoins them to respect others' property rights and refrain from their thefts or forcible possession. All conflicts arising out of matters of wealth either do not arise or get readily resolved if this principle is sincerely and faithfully followed. This applies equally effectively in both types of societies - homogeneous as well as heterogeneous. Another aspect of this issue is greed control. We have discussed earlier in this work that greed is the mother of all evils. Most conflicts have greed for material as well as emotional adjuncts as the root-cause. Jaina vow of non-possession for the members of the clergy and those of simplicity of life-style, limited possession and inconspicuous consumption by the laity is the clarion call for neutralising all conflicts that arise out of uncontrolled greed. Subdued Passions
—
Another related aspect is that of rising passions - anger, pride, and deceit that, too, is a contributory factor in initiation as well as escalation of conflicts. Jaina precept holds that passions form the glue that binds the karma matter with the soul to inhibit its spiritual progress. All right minded Jaina believers are, therefore, advised to subdue their passions in the self-interest, which indirectly helps in conflict resolution and promotion of social harmony.
JAINISM AND SOCIAL HARMONỸ : 343
