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N. P. Jain
sharp focus that non-violent behaviour and methods could be the only endurable recipe for stable peace and protection of all civilisational values and moral concepts world-wide. Jain way of life has inspired this thought with increasing global impact. Jain Religion - A Religion of Environment
Jain concept of Ahimsa also makes Jain religion a religion of environment. Renowned Jain Tirthankar Lord Mahavir who lived six centuries B.C. preached :
'One who ignores the existence of earth, water, fire, wind and greenery ignores one's own existence which is intertwined with all these vital elements in an inextricable web of mutual interdependence.'
The world is facing highly disturbing environmental degradation manifest in the vanishing of many species of birds and beasts, disturbing climate changes, deforestation and merciless slaughter of innocent animals in slaughter houses. JEEVA DAYA (kindness towards all forms of life) advocated by Jain religion becomes highly relevant for the world at large.. Vegetarianism - Logical and ethical dimension of non-violence
Jain philosophy of JEEV DAYA (Compassion for all forms of life) rightly advocates adoption of vegetarianism as an ethical concept - as an integral part of its non-violent method of living. A research study has shown that in recent years precisely on health as well as ethical ground, adherence to vegetarian and vegan diet is increasing in USA with close to 50 Million adherents.
Bernard Shaw and Albert Einstein were both converts to vegetarianism. The famous words of Bernard Shaw still widely quoted are : 'I am a vegetarian because I detest the idea of making my stomach a graveyard of innocent animals and species.' Steve Jobs, the most outstanding computer genius also turned vegetarian when he came to India for meditation and self-realisation.
In Jain philosophy the concept and practice of AHIMSA includes in its fold the vital concepts of APARIGRAHA and ANEKANT. Together these three provide a Jain model of non-violence which can be practised in day-today life both at individual as well as community levels. In fact the three concepts woven together define what I would like to describe as a 'Jain art of living' APARIGRAHA
'Aparigraha' (non-possession and non-attachment) is a recipe to gain freedom from ever-escalating wants and material desires, temptations of acquisition and possessiveness. Practice of restraint in consumption has become vital in modern times. Over-consumption as well as wasteful
