Journey Of Ahimsa

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaibhikkhu Sahitya Trust

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Shatrunjay, sitting under the rayan tree. Therefore the first temple in Jain religion is a tree temple. The 22nd Trithankar Neminath, who was prince Nem, was to marry princess Rajul and at that time he heard painful cries of animals. On inquiry, he learnt from his charioteer that the animals were being killed to be served during the marriage feast. Prince Nemkumar was shocked and returned without getting married. Bhagwan Parshwanath retrieved a snake from a pile of wood to be used for the sacrificial fire - Yagna. This incident shows his concern for the life of a living creature and his innate sense of non-violence. King Shrenik, during Bhagwan Mahavir's time, had forbidden killing in any form and even women had played significant role in preventing war. Queen Mrigavati had prevented war by making a request to Bhagwan Mahavir. King Chandrayatha of Sudarshanpur and Namikumar of Mithila were at war and Madanrekha preached them non-violence on the battlefield and succeeded in preventing killings and bloodshed. King Ashok realized the futility of war after the battle of Kalinga and took to the path of nonviolence, established relations with other states based on the principle of non-
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