Light of Nonviolence

Author(s): Sushilmuni
Publisher: Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh Delhi

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I would like to end my brief discussion of Jain philosophy on a more subjective note. In this world, contrary to popular belief, we own nothing ultimately. Illusion and change are the real ultimates. We are here one moment and gone the next and so are our dearest attachments. Life is an episode between infinities. Time, the events of the world, and a sense of impermanence, are crazily interrelated with our ego and mental states.
In Jainism, the vision of nonviolence is a basis for thinking that the impossible is possible. We may not live forever, life may have no absolute meaning, and this world may be completely mad, but-and this is a big butif we have perfect faith, understanding, and are willing to act, then we too can become a Self-realized being like the arihantas of Jain legends. An impossible dream? An illusion? Perhaps. But not to those fortunate few who have experienced real freedom, if only momentarily, in this lifetime and world.
The Jain vision of nonviolence and its possibilities for humankind, has remained undiminished over the centuries, in spite of the resolve of some to reduce it to a simplistic absolutism. Nothing in Jainism is really simple-minded or simplistic since it offers to the intelligent person a realistic view of humanity. Still others have characterized Jain philosophy as having a pessimistic view of life. But I think that this is a seriously distorting