Journal of Gyansagar Science Foundation 2013 04 01

Author(s): Sanjeev Sogani, Vimal Jain
Publisher: Gyansagar Science Foundation

Page 24

Abstract
Environmental Science and Jainism
Dr. S. M. Jain
Forest officer (Retired)
Mob: 9460682465; E-mail: jainsurajma@yahoo.com
Ecological and environmental preservation is intrinsic, innate and inherent in Jainism. It is inbuilt and integrated in every principle, concept, tenet and mandatory doctrine of Jainism. Enlightened Jain icons, Arhats and Tirthankaras pondered over and considered every aspect, the various causes of degradation and necessary measures, prophylactic to pre-empt as well as remedial to redress and redeem and also for sustained maintenance. All canonical and subsequent Jain scriptures address extensively and comprehensively concerns and measures for environmental protection. The list is long. The notable scriptures are Ayar Suttam, Dashvaikalik Sutra, Uttaradhyan Sutra, Thanang Sutra, Bhagwati Sutra, Sutrakritanga, Atmanushasan, Tilloyapannati, Jambudweep prajnatpi, Ratnakarand Shravakachar, Tatvarth Sutra, Panchastikaya, Mulachar, Purusharth Sndhupaya, Jain Sidhanta Deepika, Jnarnava, Ahimsa Tatva Darshan, Syadvadmanjari, Rajvartic, Kartikayanupreksha, Bodhi Pahud, Karamgranth, Savayapannati etc. Obviously the Jain Ethics and Environmental Ethics are Synonyms.
The environmental scenario manifesting and evolving as of now is grim and dismal. The pollution level in soil, water resources and air has already reached maximum permissible and tolerance limits and continues to increase unabated. The dangerous consequences have started manifesting in climate change, melting of ice, shortages in crop yields, accentuating water scarcity erratic rains, droughts, floods, diseases and miseries of all sorts. The environmental doctrines of Jainism notably the doctrine of equality of all life-forms which include earth (soils and minerals), waterresources, energy (fire) and air, doctrine of non-violence and doctrine of non-consumerism can set the clock back and restore the health of environment to its pristine state.
Medicinal Plants and Jainism
Dr. Shuchita Jain
Lecturer In Botany, Govt. J.D.B. P.G. College for Women Kota (Rajasthan) Mob: 9352600740; E-mail: drshuchita@yahoo.com
Nonviolence is fundamental principle of Jainism. Both are so intrinsically integrated that there is no exaggeration to connote both Jainism and Non-violence as synonyms. Jainism ordains that all plant forms along with even soils including minerals, water, air, energy (fire) are life forms and should be treated as one's own self and any form of cruelty or pain should not be inflicated.
In Ayar Suttam, the most important canonical Jain scripture, there is a very sensitive description of injury to plant and its parts equating it with same as injury to human body and any of its parts or organs. The plants experience and feel pain in the same way as the humans do. There is very elaborate and comprehensive description of various plant species and their products in Jain scriptures notably Tilloyapannati and Jambudweep Prajnapti.
Devoted Jains do not take modern allopathic medicines as violence is involved in their research and manufacture. By and large and as an established tradition, Jains depend on medicines based on plants. While working on UGC project on survey of medicinal plants, it has been observed that availability of many such plant species is dwindling fast even in claimed to be best protected forest areas in National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. It has also been observed that collection of medicinal plants by tribals is done in cruel way. It is therefore necessary particularly for Jains to take up propagation, collection and processing of medicinal plants in situ as well as in agricultural farms in accordance with Jain principles.
The paper stresses the need of such studies establishing correlation between Jainism and Plant science to conserve the phyto-diversity vis-à-vis biodiversity, which is the need of the hour to save the planet earth.
Key words: Jainism, Medicinal plant, Diversity, National Parks and Tribals.
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