Journal of Gyansagar Science Foundation 2013 04 01

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

Page 86

Ecological Concerns in Jainism
Abstract
Jainism as a religion of ecology
Jainism is fundamentally a religion of ecology and has turned ecology into a religion. It has enabled Jains to create an environment-friendly value system and code of conduct. Because of the insistence on rationality in the Jain tradition, Jains are always ready and willing to look positively and with enthusiasm upon environmental causes. In India and abroad, they are in the forefront of bringing greater awareness and putting into practice their cardinal principles on ecology. Their programs have been modest and mostly self-funded through volunteers. Every basic reality of the universe is integral. Jainism reconciled the parts of reality with the whole by means of the relativistic approach. Spiritual relationships, from an ecological perspective, can be understood with the help of some of the basic tenets of Jainism
1.
2.
3.
4.
Injure no creatures (Savve pana na hantavva)
Do not command any creature;
Do not own any creature; and
Do not employ one as the servant (save pana na pariggahetvva)
The paper discusses the similarity between jain principles and ecological principles which are important for life.
Principles of Jainism
• Non-violence (Ahimsa)
Multiplicity of Views (Anekäntväd) Non-Possessiveness / Non-Attachment (Aparigraha)
Jain Beliefs
Truthfulness (Satya)
Non-Stealing (Asteya/Achaurya)
•
•
All souls are equal Non-Violence Multiplicity of views Non-possessiveness
What is Jainism?
Jainism is a way of life and one of the oldest reli gions of the world.
It believes in a cyclical nature of universe. It dis courages superstition and blind faith and encour ages free and rational thinking.
Jainism lays heavy emphasis on non-violence (ahim sa) and discipline.
Ahimsä is disciplined behavior towards every living being Dashvaikalika Sutra (6/9)
Absence of violence of any sort towards all beings Corresponding Auther: Dr. Shuchita Jain Government J.D.B.P.G. Girls College, Kota drshuchita@yahoo.com
Karma
Shuchita Jain
81
at all times is Ahimsä. Yogasutra
In its absolute definition:
'Ahimsä is the absence of destructive thoughts, feelings or attitude'
Parasparopgraho Jivänäm
Tattvärtha Sutra
• All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence (If one does not care for nature one does not care for oneself)
Refreshingly contemporary in its premise and in its promise.
Forms the basis of the modern day science of ecol ogy.
Aparigraha seve attai karanti prananam behanam" Lord Mahavir
• We kill other lives because of our greed and posses
siveness.
This is the primary cause of all violence as well as imbalance in the environment.
What is Jain Philosophy?
• According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankaras were born as human beings but they have attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through medi