Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 24

Jain religion regards Ahimsa as the core attribute of religion and the contrary as sin. Ahimsa is the fountain spring of all virtues like learning and meditation, compassion and charity, nonattachment, pursuit of truth and ethical conduct. Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekant taken together also make Jain religion a Religion of Environment and a Religion of Peace and Peaceful Coexistence.
The earth is integrally related like pearls in a necklace to the sun, the moon and the multi-billion star galaxy of the planetary cosmos as well as its hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere. In his first divine sermon after achieving enlightenment in the year 527 B.C., Jain Tirthankar Mahavir emphatically said:
"One who ignores the existence of earth, water, fire, wind and vegetation ignores to one's own peril the very basis of one's existence that is interwoven with these elements."
Ancient Jain Universal Peace Prayer (Jain Brihat Santi) sums up the universal perspective enshrined in the Jain religion :
"Shivamastu Sarva Jagataha
Parahitanirata bhavantu bhutaganaha
Doshah prayantu nasam
Sarvatra sukhi bhavantu lokah"
May the entire universe be blessed
May all living beings engage in each other's well being
May all false illusions and faults vanish
May everyone be happy, peaceful and full of bliss everywhere.
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A Portrait of Jain Religion