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It will be seen that on the one hand Ahimsa implies negation or minimization of violence, on the other hand on the positive side, Ahimsa mirrors piety, compassion, sympathy and love towards all. Secondly Ahimsa in Mahavir's teachings is also 'active ahimsa'. Far from being a bookish doctrine, it needs to be pursued in an integrated and consistent manner in thought, expression as well as conduct. Integrated approach creates the non-violent mindset and makes the individual as well as the society pursue the path of equanimity and harmony. Acharya Mahapragyaji has put this in the wider perspective as follows:
“The world needs a healthy society and a healthy individual. As long as violence remains a medium for the solution of problems, the society and the individual will remain sick with distorted vision and misguided perceptions.”
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A Portrait of Jain Religion
Jain Education International
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