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In a similar vein, renowned American scientist Carl Sagan writes:
“There is no Right to Life recognised in any society on earth today nor has there been at any time with a few rare exceptions such as
the JAINS of India.” Mahavir lucidly explained the rationale of non-violence with a simple logic by saying :
“In happiness and suffering, in joy or grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. We should, therefore, refrain from inflicting upon others such injury, suffering or pain as would be undesirable or unbearable if inflicted upon ourselves. We must endeavor to develop equanimity towards all living beings and elements of nature. I cannot take what I cannot give back. No one can give back life. Therefore,
no one should take it." Acaranga sutra quotes the constant refrain in the teachings of all the Tirthankars:
"All breathing, existing, living sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence,
nor abused, nor tormented nor driven away." In order to understand and realize the true essence of Ahimsa, Jain scriptures have in-depth analysed the entire anatomy of Himsa or violence. Himsa can be internal as well as external. The actual act of harming, hurting or killing is DRAVYA HIMSA; while the intention to do so is BHAVA HIMSA. There could be, broadly, four forms of violence arising out of this classification. These are (1) Both intention and act of killing, (2) Only intention, but no killing or physical hurting, (3) Only act of killing minus intention to kill and (4) Neither the act of killing nor the intention to do so.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion
Jain Education International
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