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Society, Epistemology and Logic in Indian Tradition
takes food from the householders without harming them." This kind of behaviour of an ascetic has two aspects - the first is his own spiritual practice (sādhanā) and another is not to give trouble to others. This gives a message to us to behave in such a way that others should not be troubled for the sake of our cause. Importance of Others' Life
A famous motto of Jainism is: "Live and let live." We can say that Jainism is a philosophy that gives importance to others life also. We should understand that every worldly soul wants to live, and we should protect his or her right to live as much as possible. Āaārangasūtra (1.2.3) says:
If understood at the level of human beings, this fact will lead to positive change in the attitude and behaviour towards the
society.
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"All worldly souls love their life, they wish to relish pleasure, loathe misery, hurt or injury is not desired by anybody, life is dear to all, and they want to live. Life is dear to all beings."
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Mahāvīra suggested that no living being should be killed, governed, made slave, tortured and made restless." Ahimsa is not merely non-violence. It has its positive social aspect and that can be called as friendliness (maitrī) to all living beings. Amitagati in Sāmāyikapāṭha (verse-1) says:
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DK 1.4-5 vayam ca vittim labbhāmo, na ya koi uvahammai;
ahāgaḍesu rīyamte, pupphesu bhamaro jahā. mahugārasamābuddha, je bhavanti aṇissiyā; nāṇāpinḍarayādamtā, teña vuccanti sāhuno.
savve pānā piyauyā suhasāyā dukkhapaḍikūlā appiyavahā piyajīviņo, jīviukāmā savvesim jiviyam piyam.
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AS 1.4.1: savve pānā savve bhūtā savve jīvā savve satta na hamtavvā, ņa ajjāvetavvā, na parighetavvā, na paritāveyavvā, na uddaveyavvā.
