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Chapter - V
NON-VIOLENCE IN TODAY'S WORLD*
Ahiṁsā is the essence of Dharma. It is what makes the functioning of the society possible. Much more, it is a virtue that nurtures reverence bringing within it the honour and dignity to all forms of life. Compassion and kindness are really expression of this basic value, which when practised and reciprocated results in peace and harmony in the world. Violence is deviation from Dharma and hence is the root cause of all evils in society.
The quintessence of Lord Mahāvīra's teachings is that Dharma is most auspicious and it sustains the universe. Ahiṁsā (non-violence), self-restraint and austerity are the basic expressions and constituents of Dharma. The principle of Ahiṁsā in Jainism embraces not only human beings but also animals, birds, plants, vegetables and creatures in earth, air and water. It is holy law of compassion extended to body, mind and speech of every living person.
In the words of Lord Mahāvīra, “Not to kill any living being is the foundation of all wisdom. Certainly, one has to understand that non-violence and equality of all living beings are essentials of Dharma.” 2 Lord Mahāvīra emphasised reverence to all forms of
* Delivered at the International Jaina Convention, Chicago, organised by the Federation of Jaina Associations in North America, on 6 July 2001.
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