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The Jains through Time
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In this context, I would like to add that the concept and is the propitious harbinger of word khanti - forgiveness - has a broader well-being for all. To practice ahimsa is an meaning. Forgiveness is not limited to the endeavour to establish welfare for all in the quashing of anger alone, but includes the world. Compassion, gentleness, selfless prohibiting and falling away of all passions. service, co-operation, friendship and Only he who can rid himself of anger, ego, fearlessness are all different forms of ahimsa. deceit and greed, is truly kshamavan - The scriptures can be defined as containing forgiving. Another meaning of the Sanskrit a philosophy or essence of reality which word kshama is 'proficient'. Someone who heals life and cleanses the soul through the is capable of overcoming his passions, can practice of tapa, kshama, and ahimsa. conquer evil inclinations like anger and selfimportance, and keep his mind ever The Purpose of the Scriptures tranquil, is kshamavan.
By understanding the definition of
scripture, we understand its purpose. In this The Aim of the Scriptures: Welfare context Arya Sudharma Swami, the for All
successor to Tirthankar Mahavir, said, 'savvaAhimsa, along with the practice of kshama jaga-jivarakkhana-dayathtayāē bhagavayā (forgiveness) and tapa (penance), is one of pāvayanam sukahiyam'The Tirthankars the factors that is woven into the fabric of preach sermons for the well-being of the all the scriptures, and by this inclusion, the entire world, with the intent of compassion desire for the well-being of all sentient and the security for all creatures at their beings is implicit. Tirthankar Mahavir has core' - these are the scriptures. called ahimsa ‘a goddess' (bhagavati). 2 That famous master of scriptural knowledge. Sometimes the definition and purpose of Acharya Samantbhadra, has called ahimsa something might be one and the same *the greatest God". This means ahimsa in its thing, sometimes they may be separate. Here pure form is an all-embracing spiritual the purpose clearly lies in the definition.
Prashmayakaran, 2/1 * ahimsa bhutanam jagat/viditam brahmam paramam, Swayah-Stora
Prashnayakaran, 2/1-7
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