World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 73

for 21000 years. The quality of life and environment has already degraded to present state of corruption, exploitation and predation and if not checked will deteriorate further. CONCUSION.
The above description conclusively suggests that forest based model of symbiotic life-style is most peaceful and stable with longest duration so much so that time almost stood still. Jainism purports mutualism and compassion for all animate and inanimate constituents of environment which is feasible only in above model of life. Everything necessary for quality life of human beings, their cultural and industrial development is available from benevolent trees (Kalpavrikshas). There are nearly half a million varietes of trees, shrubs and herbs which can meet our requirements. Use of chemical fertilisers & pesticides in agriculture is weakening the natural fertility of soil. The edible nuts, beans, fruits, flowers and seeds available from trees are more nutritious than most cereals and their production will be 10 to 20 tonnes per hectare without recurring expenses. Forests once created are enternal if scientifically managed. It is only the increasing greed and want that lead to exploitation, predation and degeneration and toxic rather fatal pollution. The only solution is symbiotic simple life-style based on forests (Kalpavrikshas). The earlier mankin gives up present predatory, exploitative, greedy and consumerist life-style, the better. There is yet chance for resurrection if three main principles of Jainism i.e. Non voilence, Non-possession and Non-absolutism are followed.
Reference :
1. Tatvartha Sutra by Acarya Umasami, Ch. V, Sutra 17. 2. Ibid, Sutra 18. 3. Ibid., Sutra 19, 20
Ibid, Sutra, 21. Ibid, Sutra, 22. Tatvartha Sutra, Ch.1, Sutra 1. Tatvartha Sutra Ch. V, Sutra 29, 30.
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