Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 12

what for?, From where? Who saw it being created first?" The author explains that, according to Jainism, the universe is without a beginning and without an end. He also annotates the theory of cyclic changes as explained in canonical Jaina literature notably in Tiloyapanṇatti by Yati Vṛṣabhācārya and in Adipurāṇa. Describing the grim situation in the present era of Dukhamā, he describes the agonising problems of human existence and the bewildering predicament of humanity in this period. The Jaina tradition counsels limitation of population, limitation of wants and use of natural resources in accordance with constraints of availability and renewability.
Shri Jain's chapter on Code of Conduct has a profoundly contemporary relevance and is based on the centrality of the principles of reciprocity and interdependence of all life. He puts to the present generation the question which Gautama, the principal disciple of Lord Mahāvīra, put to the great master:
कहं चरे ? कहं चिट्ठे ? कहमासे ? कहं सए ? | कहं भुंजंतो भासतो पावं कम्मं न बंधई ? ||
Every individual and the civil society itself should ask the question, which Gautama asked, and we must remember the answer the Lord Mahavira gave. Lord Mahavira's answer was: "When you dwell, walk, stay, eat, speak, sleep and live carefully, cautiously and with consideration, you will not be guilty of sin". That care, caution and consideration for one and all is indeed the Dharma of humanity. That is the sheet anchor of Non-violence.
Daśavaikālika-61
According to the author, "Jainism subscribes to mutualism and opposes predation, parasitism, exploitation and violence in any form. It enjoins on its laity (house holders) and ascetics (monks) strict adherence to code of conduct, revering all forms of life, big and small and prescribing careful, judicious utilisation of gifts of nature with utmost respect for all animate and inanimate constituents of environment."