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Appendix IX
Non-violence: Basis for Equality
If a person realises that every soul (individual) is independent, he will never trample on its right. This will lead him next to show compassion towards all living beings, resulting in harmony and peace in the world. Non-violence is the recognition of equality of all beings. The principle of non-violence in Jainism embraces not only humans but also animals, birds, plants, vegetables and creatures on the earth, in air and in water.
"All living beings desire to live. They detest sorrow and death and wish a long, happy existence. Hence one should not inflict pain on any creature nor harbour any feeling of enmity. Not to kill any being is the essence of all wisdom", says Lord Mahāvīra. The positive aspect of non-violence is as important as the negative side, though this is not fully appreciated. The former implies forgiveness, kindness, charity and service. One should display friendship towards all, respect the virtuous, extend compassion to the afflicted and be magnanimous even towards those who are not favourably disposed towards oneself.
The soul is the begetter of both happiness and sorrow; it is its own friend when follows the path of righteousness and its own enemy when it chooses to travel on the forbidden road. The pre-requisite to righteous life is to conquer the four evils-anger, pride, deceit, and greed. They can be won by forgiveness, humility, and straightforwardness and by contentment respectively. A real successful man is one who has conquered his own self, said Shri Dulichand Jain in his lecture explaining some
The Hindu, 5 February 1998
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