________________
ન્યાયકુસુમાંજલિ.
| ચતુ tect the weak from the tyrannical and to enforce the observance of solemn treaties and sacred pledges. It only prohibits them from aggressive militarism, from wanton bloodshed and from acts of brutal cruelty. It is only the innocent beings whom a Jaina should not kill. Those who deserve punishment must get the right chastisement. Ahimsa that even the highest Grihastha is called upon to practise is only one-sixteenth part of what is prescribed for a Sadhu. This is so because a house-holder cannot help taking part in worldly affairs. He is obliged to take arms when the honour of his wife, sister, daughter or mother is at stake. There are instances in Jaina literature where even the Sadhus have made use of force for the protection of the innocent and to save women from sacrilege. In Nisitha-chulika is related a story of Kalikacharya, who in order to save a Sadhvi from being dishonoured by a prince caused another prince to bring forces to her rescue. There is another story narrated in connection with a Sadhu named Vishnukumara who punished the king that intended to kill all the Jaina Sadhus within his empire.
after ¶cÂì aЯ:' or 'that non-injury to living beings is the highest religion, constitutes the cornerstone of Jaina ethics. Ahimsa is never a weakening force, but is a strengthening factor in private, social and national life. It is the world-revered doctrine of compassion. This doctrine of Ahimsa is of so great an importance that every religion accepts it. 'दया धर्मका मूल है' is the form it took in the mouth of the saint Tulsidas and is echoed to this day by
234
"
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
