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Appendix VII Non-violence must be a Way of Life* The aim of human life is to secure liberation from worldly bondage. This can be achieved through faith, right type of knowledge and pious conduct. Jaina scriptures deal with man's conduct elaborately. A vow is a self-imposed obligation as what one ought to do and what not to carry out. It should be practised in thought, word and deed with full commitment to its careful observance at all times.
A householder's conduct depends on five vows - abstinence from violence, refraining from uttering falsehood, not stealing, not yielding to carnality and averting the idea of possessiveness. Violence and telling lies deeply influence a householder. They are habits, which get entrenched in him, requiring vows to root them out.
Non-violence is mentioned first as it is the basis of all other vows. Just as a fence is meant to protect a field, the other four are intended to enable a person to observe the prime vow of nonviolence. The rationale behind the principle of non-violence is equality of all living beings. “Not to kill anyone is the quintessence of all wisdom”, says Lord Mahāvīra.
But, the concept of Ahimsa has not been properly understood. It is an attitude, which makes a person feel one with all creation. It stands for refraining from causing any harm to anyone at any time and for the practice of love towards all.
* The Hindu, 23 November 1995
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