World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 71

on mining in and around a famous national park in the name of development. Since beginning of industrialisation we have consumed so much that there should be complete halt for the sake of future generation. Pollution grows in geometrical proportion of consumerism. If the present mode of consumerism continues we will not only soon exhaust all material resources but make soil, water and air so much polluted that life may not be possible. This vow of non-possession i.e. minimum consumption offers on easy solution to the formidable problem of environment degradation. Many conflicts and wars are because of transgression of this vow i.e. desire for possession of more land, money and material. This vow is therefore also related to the vow of non-violence.
V. Celibacy (Bramhacarya)
This means abstinence from sexual desires and activity. The various concomitants of sexual desire viz., wine, meat, gambling, titilating songs, dance, persuasive body, decoration, libertines, aimless wanderings are also prohibited in this vow. When one advances on the right path of purification of soul one loses interest in sex and procreation. The effort is voluntary and out of one's own express will. This vow ensures voluntary check on population growth, which is singularly most harmful phenomenon for environment. Sexual indulgence, licentious and promiscuous mode of life is casuse of many conflicts and violence and recently a new incurable disease AIDS. The vow of celibacy is an effective attribute for individual, and better social and physical environment.
PRINCIPLE OF NON ABSOLUTISM (Anekanta or Syadvada) :
The principle of non-absolutism is unique in Jainism. It implies regard, respect for others' view and is opposed to any kind of dogmatism or fundamentalism. It reconciles even divergent views. Any person 'X' is different to different relations He is son for his parents, brother for his brothers and sisters, husband for his wife, father for his children. Parents are right when they claim him their son and so his wife in claiming him her husband. The conflict starts when only one point of view is stressed excluding other's view e.g. if wife claims that he is her husband only and nothing else. Considerations for various aspects that may be correct according to different points of view, will end the communal or religious conflicts This principle of Anekanta (Non-absolutim) ensures social harmony and peace which are essential for protection of physical environment also.
CYCLIC CHANGES :
According to Jainism matter is indestructible and it only changes in form, shape, size and colour etc. because of its inherent properties (Upadana) and extraneous impact (Nimitta). But in substance it is eternal.
Gay Mary' ||
J ust T HCL 1 Tatvartha Sutra Ch V (Eternal existence is its property and it undergoes changes). On the same analogy the universe is neither created nor destroyed by any super-power what so ever. It is eternal without beginning and end but under goes cycle changes in descending nad as cending order i quality of life and environment. Avsarpini is descending order in which there is gradual degration in/quality of life