Siddhachalam NJ 1990 04 Mahavir Jayanti

Author(s): Siddhachalam NJ
Publisher: USA International Mahavir Jain Mission Siddhachalam

Page 47

JAINISM
AND NONVIOLENCE
(Late) Narendra K. Sethi, Ph.D. St. John's University. N.Y., (U.S.A)
NON-VIOLENCE is an essential doctrine of the jain thought. It is steeped deep in the scriptures, conduct, and everyday behavior of the Jain society. It is one element of religion which is distinct Jain contribution to international body of comparative religions and doctrines.
It is termed AHIMSA in Jain tradition. It is not limited to the vows of not killing or injuring anyone. It goes much deeper than this physical consideration. it specifies a moral code of conduct which forbids even the intention or a thought to harm any one. Injury to anyone by desire, word or deed is alien to Jain tradition. In enlarging the scope of non-violence to cover the total behavior of the person,Jainism has indeed succeeded in establishing a way of life which is at once both pious and noble to its very fibre.
It is an erroneous belief to consider the philosophy of Ahimsa to be defeatistic or fatalistic. It does not stand for cowardice or surrender. It stands for courage, forbearance and toleration for all. It stands for a mellow and quit temperament. It underscores the necessity of establishing love and affection towards all creatures of universe.
Ahimsa is a way of life which is
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truly international. The problem between people, as well as strife, between different countries arise due to innate violence on the part of people making administrative decision. If the leaders of the world together develop a perspective which is truly based upon and structured on this doctrine, there will be no necessity of waging wars or fighting between people. The doctrine of Peace is wedded to the idea of Ahimsa.
Jain tradition teaches compassion. The message of Lord Mahavira was not confined to human beings alone. It was addressed to all creatures of the universe who gathered in the convention at His Nirvana. We should be fully receptive to the same holy message today. It is contextual and quite relevant in these strife-ridden days around us. The doctrine of Ahimsa can render all of us a great service by uniting the peaceful spirits and relinquishing the evil ideas from us.
We should restore Ahimsa in all walks of our life--our diet, conduct, behavior, inner-personal relations, business affairs, and everyday commerce surrounding us. It should ennoble all of our thoughts-conscious as well as unconscious. It should reflect in all of our emotions, attitudes, and feelings. Our psychological identity will certainly get a tremendous uplift and relaxing response by adopting the philosophy of non-violence. Jain doctrine of Ahimsa is universally acceptable and adaptable. It is not confined to any age, class, sect or region. It knows only the language of love and eternal compassion.
Non-violence as practiced in Jain thought transcends the current upsurge of material values in one's life. It points out towards the finer values of life, at once spiritual and far ascending into the loftier regions of one's mind. A country like America can benefit a lot by the gradual absorption of Ahimsa cult in all its activities.
Vidyanandji Maharaj has actually termed Jainism as Universal Religion.
In its innate philosophy, Jain religion requires equality in mind, body, and conduct. There is no differentiation, no segmentation, and no fragmentation in Jain ideal. It stresses oneness for all.
Unlike all other religions, there is no communal feeling evident in Jain spirit. Whatever groupism and sectarianism are evident in its contemporary practices, are all due to modern social and cultural changes. There is no acceptance of these view in the Jain books.
Jain culture propounds synthesis for all action. Being an action oriented religion (KARMA), it is opposed to the establishment of boundaries to any ideal. For a Jain ideal, the Universe is his home; all people are his family; the entire world is his abode. It is clearly stated 'UDAR CHARITANAM TU VASUDHEVA JUTUMBAKAM'
The philosophy evidenced in Jainism reflects a unity in all spheres. However, it stresses along with unity a concept of relativity (SYADVADA). It refers to the innate relationship between people. Everything is inter-related and interdependent. There is no absolute unity only relative unity. This concept connects everyone in the universe to a common and mutual link. It establishes harmony, peace, and understanding because it appeals to all. This enhances universality of Jain religion.
AHIMSA (non-violence) is still another dimension of Jain perspective. It stresses protection, compassion, and love for all creatures expressed through body, mind, and conduct. Feelings of anger, bitterness, jealousy, and frustration are to be dissolved in the ocean of positive live and forbearance. Such an elevated state of human consciousness is seldom perceived in other spiritual/religious doctrines.
The integral focus of Jainism as reflected in the teachings of LORD MAHAVIR and enunciated by many classical theorists of Jain mind is a testimony to its underlying sense of universality. Its doctrines are universal and appeal to all times, all generations, and all people. It is as relevant and meaningful today as it was thousands of years ago.
The concept of universality is an essential theme of the Jain thought. It stresses the feelings of love, compassion, understanding, and devotion for all creatures of the universe. It is propounded in the scriptural saying of "SARVESHU MAITRIH'-- that is, extending friendliness for all people. A modern jain saint Munishri MAHAVIR JAYANTI SOUVENIR 45 MAHAVIR JAYANTI SOUVENIR For Private & Personal Use Only