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SAVE PLANET THROUGH ECO-JAINISM
Despite the international meet at Stockholm in 1972 and at Rio in 1992 environment of our mother earth further deteriorated and the ecological imbalance intensified. To achieve alround success in this field, it is necessary that environmental commitments must acquire cultural and spiritual base. Religious, spiritual and cultural traditions can contribute to a great extent for the protection of environment. Regenerated and revitalised ancient values may bring revolution in the environmental improvement.
Suresh Jain, IAS
Jainism attaches greatest importance to environmental concern. Lord Risabhnath, first Tirthankar of Jains, laid down sound principles in ancient India for the preservation of environment and the maintenance of ecological equilibrium. The concept of sustainable development is well built in daily cultural routine of Jains. Jainism provides positive response for sustainable environmental development and we must propagate such basic environmental values of Jain traditions without any further delay. Jainism lays down its unique concept for the protection of our environment and for the maintenance of ecological equilibrium of the Universe. It ordains to respect smallest animal, plant and even the microbes.
Lord Mahavir declared 2500 years before that biologically there is no difference between man and tree. Both have life, both take birth, both take food to live, both die without food. The world scienctists have established that water filter system of Jains contributed to a great extent for their good health. This system is a symbol of health and modern civilization.
We must make constant effective efforts to blend spiritual principles of Jainism with those of modern science. We must place before the world in a scientific manenr the Jain principles of vegetarianism and right form of livelihood with limited needs. We must place before the world forcefully the message of Bhagwan Mahavir: harmonious interdependence of all the creatures in the world. Jain traditions are based on the theories of modern science. Such traditions are fully dedicated to clean environment, enviro-development and enviro- protection. We must display before the world how we gain inspiration, insight and wisdom from Jain religious and social books to sustain our ecological and environment concerns. We must talk loudly about Jain traditions of environmental protection.
Every member of Jain society compulsorily offers good-wishes daily in the morning for the welfare of plants, animais and all human beings. He prays God that it may rain timely and sufficiently. There should not be drought or excess rains. There should not be spread of any epidemic disease. All the constitutional and sta utory authorities must perform their duties and exercise their powers with honesty and compassion.
Every responsible Jain family observes the following prohibitions strictly and regularly: (1) Nobody should clean dirty clothes in the rivers to save micro- organisms of the river from annihila
tion.
(2)
Nobody should use unfiltered/impure water.
(3) After drawing water from any source, everybody should endeavour to leave residual unfiltered water
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