Lessons of Ahimsa and Anekanta for Contemporary Life

Author(s): Tara Sethia
Publisher: California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Page 18

Kristi Wiley, “Ahimsa, Compassion and Samyaktva”
life into reverence for the entire universe” and that it "has affinities with Gandhi's non-violent campaigns of satyagraha (truth-force)” and with the writings of St. Francis of Assisi. He concludes that “it would be entirely wrong, however, to see ahimsa in any sentimental light. The Jain doctrine of non-injury is based on rational consciousness, not emotional compassion; on individual responsibility, not on a social fellow-feeling, ... The motive in Jainism is self-centered and entirely for the purpose of individual kaivalya. And yet, though the emphasis is on personal liberation, the Jain ethic makes that goal attainable only through consideration for others."
In other writings however, a different view of ahimsă and compassion in Jainism has been expressed. For instance, in an essay entitled "Environmental Wisdom in Ancient India” L. M. Singhvi describes the “ecological philosophy of Jainism” as being “virtually synonymous with the principle of ahiņsā.” He states:
Compassion and reverence for life are the sheet-anchor of the Jain quest for peace, harmony, and rectitude, based on spiritual and physical symbiosis and a sense of responsibility and restraint. The term ahimsă is stated in the negative (a = non, himsă = violence), but it is rooted in a host of positive aims and actions which have great relevance to contemporary environmental concerns. It is a principle of compassion and responsibility. ... Compassion and non-violence are the basis of the ancient Jain scriptural aphorism Parasparopagraha jivānam (all life is bound together by the mutual support of interdependence.)
'R. Huntington, “Jainism and Ethics," www.chapman.edu/schweitzer/huntington.html (December 15, 2001). The essay was intended to be a chapter in a textbook of world religions that he was preparing at the time of his death. It appears on The Albert Schweitzer Institute's website via a link called "Readings on Reverence for Life."
* Singhvi at http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/eastgreen.htm.