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“The instinct of self-preservation is universal. Every animate being clings to life and fears death."
The universe is not for man alone, it is a field of evolution for all living beings. 'Live and let live' is the motto of Jainism. Life is sacred, not only irrespective of caste, colour, creed or nationality, but it is sacred to all living beings—at all levels-right down to the tiny ant or the humble worm.
There is not an inch of space in the Universe where there are not innumerable, minute living beings. The entire Universe is full of living beings.
A man cannot even sit quietly and breathe, without killing and harming life around him.
Then the question will arise, 'How can a man live in this world without taking life and thereby committing violence ?' Life in this manner would become impossible.
An answer is given in the Dasavaikalika Sutra as follows:
po o go faci..... Jayam Chare Jayam Chitthe “Carry out all your activities but with great care.” It demands constant vigilance. Where an action is performed with due care not to hurt anyone, no violence is committed. The emphasis is on the word “Care.”
As long as man lives as a member of society, he owes a great deal to the society in which he has to live.
Man in his desire to continue his life so that he may do the highest good while living here, is obliged to destroy life; but the fewer and the lower the
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