Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 1

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 160

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THE JAIN IDEAL OF AHIMSA... The highest ideal of compassion was however developed by the Mahayana Buddhists for whom redemption meant redemption of all and not of the individual self. The Buddha, according to them, has not entered into Nirvana at all, but is labouring for the spread of the knowledge of redemption. As long as living creatures suffer, there is no possibility of joy for those who are full of compassion. "All the enjoyments that I possess and all the merits that I earned in the past or am earning at present or shall earn in the future, I give up without hesitation for the welfare of all beings"-such is the determination of the bodhisattva:
atmabhāvāmstatha bhogān sarvatryadhvagatam subham nirap ekşas ty ajámyeșa sarvasattvārthasiddhayell
-Bodhicaryavatāra, III. 10.
4. Let us now look at the orientation that the principle of ahimsa received in the life and activities of Mahatma Gandhi. But before doing so, a brief statement of the beliefs and values cherished by him would be found useful. The whole of his activity whether it was social, political, humanitarian or ethical was directed to the finding of Truth which was his God. He had a passion for the service of the suppressed classes. For him the road to salvation lay through incessant toil in the service of his country and therethrough of humanity. There were no politics devoid of religion (MMG, p 25). Means and end are convertible terms in Gandhi's philosophy. The means is likened to a seed, the end to a tree. Impure means result in impure end. One cannot reach Truth by untruthfulness. Truthful conduct alone can reach Truth (ib., p. 26). Gandhi was an irrepressible optimist. His aim was not to be consistent with his previous statements on a given question, but to be consistent with truth as it might present itself to him at a given moment. He believed in growth from truth to truth (ib., p. 28). Gandhi wished to live up to the age of 125 years 'while performing service without an eye on result (HD, p. 48). He did not want to be reborn. “But if I have to be reborn." says he, “I should be born an untouchable, so that I may share their sorrows, sufferings, and the affronts levelled at them, in order that I may endeavour to free myself and them from that miserable condition.” (MMG, p. 33). The Mahāyāna ideal of self-sacrifice and service finds its reaffirmation in this sacred will and testament of Mahatma Gandhi, and also a practical vindication in his life.
Now let us come to the relevant issue of ahimsā. Gandhi's exposition of ahimsa is as follows :