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The Jains through Time
The Jain religion is synonymous with non-violence (ahimsa). Guarding and respecting
living beings and their environment - as well as foregoing all but absolutely unavoidable
harm to sentient beings - is non-violence. Actions are necessary in our lives, and some
violence or harm is inherent in every action, be it only dravya-himsa (external or physical
violence). To deny the sanctity of life and deliberately harm innocent beings is something
that Jainism categorically rejects. That is why Jainism opposes nuclear testing with all its
might, as it is ruinous of the biosphere and could destroy life as a whole. Though a
powerful proponent of non-violence, Jainism nevertheless does not allow injustice or
atrocious deeds of any kind to flourish in society as a whole; moreover, side-stepping
retaliation to any outrage by hiding behind the banner of non-violence is nothing but
cowardice. In fact, responding to brutality and oppression at the right moment is a form
of non-violence, because the 'small' violence done today prevents the proliferation of a
wider violence tomorrow. There are many misconceptions put about regarding the concept
of non-violence in Jainism. In order to refute these errors in interpretation, let us read
some of the Munishri's thoughts about the subject,
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