YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 33

5. All participants should maintain a good record of their experiences for their own
benefit. You will find that whilst doing the experiment you will make lots of observations and develop a better understanding of the principle.
Questionnaire
Before experiment
1. What is your opinion on the practical relevance of Ahimsa in modern society?
After experiment
1. Do you think that the Jain principle of Ahimsa is useful in everyday life? Is it
practical in modern society? 2. Which aspects of the experiment did you find difficult? Why? 3. Which aspects did you find enjoyable and illuminating? Why?
Results of Experiments
1. Before experiment
Most felt that Ahimsa is a useful principle in everyday life. However some conflicts were raised be Ahimsa e.g. psychiatrists often say that one should show one's emotion and not bottle it up; during discussions on India's partition, Mahatma Gandhi offered ruling power to the Muslims in order to practice Ahimsa and stop violence and bloodshed - was this a good thing? One extreme view suggested that it can never be used as an ideal because if we look around us all leaders or managers of successful organizations are aggressive!
2. After Experiment
The following points emerged from the questionnaires and the discussion:
Gossiping - definition is a problem e.g. talking about others without hating them cannot be against Ahimsa; Gossiping is very likely and tempting in social situations i.e. where you have a group of people meeting without any serious purpose; Either these situations should be minimized or if one finds oneself in this situation, attempts should be made to reduce gossiping by shifting the discussion to a more constructive tone.
Criticism - Mahatma Gandhi once said to the Governor of India " I m aware your Excellency that I have been the cause of much distress to yourself but I hope it will not stand between us as men" He felt that under Ahimsa one cannot and must not hate or despite the enemy; However one can disagree with his views. Criticism should not end in hate.
Observing silence - very useful; forces an inner search; helps to keep calm; helps to talk less and do more! Gandhiji found this a very useful way of controlling anger.
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Jain Education Intemational