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parts of the same universal scheme. Each part of this organism has its own importance and own function to discharge. Any interference with that organism would disturb the whole system and that is why Mahavira said " it is you whom you want to kill when you kill others”.
It is sheer ignorance to say that the doctrine of Ahimsa breeds weakness. On the contrary, as Gandhiji puts it, Ahimsa is the doctrine of the strong. Psychologically speaking, it is the fear complex which generates violence. Violent people are not necessarily brave.
However, the doctrine of Ahimsa is not to be construed as a total prohibition to injure or even kill when circumstances so demand, because cowardice and meek submission to gross injustice is another form of violence,
Remaining four principles of Truth, Non stealing, celibacy and restraint in possession are nothing but the extension of the doctrine of Ahimsa in as much as they basically involve Bhava Himsa i.e. violence in motive or intention. This is because whatever has the effect of destroying the purity and sublimity of one's own spirit results in the beginning of violence of the self. These then is in short, the width and amplitude of the Ahimsa doctrine.
Truth and non stealing - These principles do not require any elaboration as every religious philosophy and social norm in every country has accepted truth and non stealing as the basic principles of life.
Brahmacharya - The word celibacy does not convey the exact meaning of Brahmacharya. Brahma means divinity and charya means movement. So, the expression Brahmacharya is not confined merely to the abstention from sexual activity. It has a very wide connotation. It means complete chastity of mind, speech and action. For one who has entered the saintly order, complete Brahmacharya is prescribed, but for a householder, the prescription is confined to his or her spouse only.
Aparigraha - This principle is based on the doctrine that those who try to possess are in fact themselves possessed. So called 'masters' become slaves. It is not difficult for an intelligent man to see that constant change is the rule of the universe. But when our possessions change hands and give a slip to us we try to hold them fast. The principle of Aparigraha teaches us to develop the mental capacity to accept the reality of change and to curtail our desires. Consumerism of the western civilization teaches us to expand our desires. But Mahavira says curtail your desires restrict your possessions.
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