Shantidoot Amrender Muniji

Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation

Page 60

Bill Clinton: Sir, I would like to know the Jain viewpoint on the environment. Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: In Jain idealogy, there has been a detailed description about preservation of the environment. Protection of the animal kingdom, the avian kingdom and the trees and plants is essential. It is the duty of humanity to protect them for without them we could not exist. One species should not kill another. This kind of thinking is undesirable, in fact, intolerable. The balance of nature depends on cooperation between all the species.
Acharya Ji gave the President a detailed account of the teachings of Lord Mahavir and said:
Acharya Shri Amrender Muni Ji: By following the principles of non violence, anekant (multiplicity of view points) and aparigraha (non attachment) as propagated by Lord Mahavir, we can achieve world peace. If our thought process and behaviour are infused with tolerance and non violence then any problem can be easily solved. We should never become obstinate and attached to our own viewpoint. We should try and respect the feelings and views of others and accept the truth, whatever it may be.
In this world, all living things have a right to exist. To take the life of any living thing is a terrible act. We must learn to live and let live. We should endeavour never to speak harsh words to anyone in fact, even at the level of thought we should not think badly of anyone.
By not thinking badly of anyone “thought pollution” will decline. When our thoughts become pure, then other kinds of pollution will automatically decrease.
We should remain alert towards preservation of the environment. To preserve ourself we should not destroy someone else. This is inhumane. We should not be possessive. While it is good to earn and accumulate wealth and material objects, we should also share our earnings with people who are less fortunate than us.
shantidoot messenger of peace
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