Mahavira Life and Philosophy

Author(s): Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

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majesty of this poble doctrine. Jainism has worked out this principle in a most scientific, rational and practical manner. Therefore, all agree that the cult of non-violence is the unique and most sublime contribution of Jainism to humanity.
According to Romain Rolland, "The Rishis, who discovered the law of non-violence in the midst of violence were greater geniuses than Newton, greater warriors than Wellington. Non-violence is the law of our species as violence is the law of the brute. ** This basic principle of Jainism had much influenced Gandhiji' from his boyhood. In his book Mahatma Gandhi' Romain Rolland says, “His parents were the followers of the Jain school. Before leaving lodia his mother made him take the three vows' of a Jain which prescribe abstention from wine, meat and sexual intercourse." (pp.9 and 11 ). George Catlin's book "In the path of Mahatma Gandhi" points out, “M. K. Gandhi's mother was under Jain influence." (p. 101).
It is remarkable that through the medium of Mahatma Gandhi the speriority of the invincible weapon of Ahimsa over the armaments of destruction has been acknowledged. Gandhiji said, "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." (Religion and Society-By Dr. S. Radhakrishnan p. 237). In fact, Ahimsa is the royal road to peace and prosperity. It is unfortunate that all nations are busy in manufacturing the most