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as hard-hearted as a stone. In our view, in terms of human nature or true religion, the guiding principles of life should make human beings more rather than less humane.
It seems to me that the cause of the distortion in the true meaning of Non-violence or Ahimsa arose because of the comparison between the concept of Punya with that of Dharma. It is popularly believed that Punya means pious acts which still lead to Karmic bondage. Dharma on the other hand means abstinence, penance, Tapasya (austerities) and other aspects of Nivritti (Nonactivity or Non-indulgence). This distinction is not visible in the ancient texts of Jains and seems to be a later development introduced by the medieval Jains scholars or saints, without having the kind of omniscience which Mahavir had.
One of the four Bhavnas or sentiments, which are the prerequites of the five main mahavratas or vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Achorya, Bramcharya, and Aparigrah) for the Jaina clergy and twelve anuvratas for Jaina laity is Maitry (Friendship with all life forms). Mahavir says ‘mitti me savva bhūesu', 'mitti bhūesu kappae', etc., which enjoins friendship with all. It goes without saying that Maitry or Friendship is a positive concept. It involves empathy and ensuing help to the other beings. It goes beyond mere abstinence : non-harming : or non-killing.
Sometimes some of the Jaina scholars say that 'friendship’ means not the help but just lack of animosity towards others. But this meaning is clearly misleading and incomplete. Obviously, the term friendship must have a positive thought and, if necessary, followed by action. My friend is one who helps me when I am in need. It is not just having no-ill-will but also of rendering definite support when needed. The words of Lord Mahāvīra, ‘Mitti me savvabhūesu, veraṁ majjham na keņai’, meaning 'I have friendship for all the living, I have no animosity towards anyone' have been read only partially. The first part of his saying has already been dealt with earlier and this has to be juxtaposed with the second part
Positive Non-Violence
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