YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

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

Page 41

Environmentalism: Jain Style
Dr. Anne Vallely
The facts and figures are grim: In the last 500 years, logical balance. Life is bound together by mutua
human activity has forced 816 species to extinction; support and cooperation. Ahimsa can save life on Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon in 1995 reached this planet. the highest level ever recorded. Water system regulations and drainage for agriculture and urban development have this session will explore the five Jain principles been the major cause of loss of over 50 percent of the which, to a greater or lesser extent, all Jains - monks wetlands in countries all over the world. Environmental and lay people - are required to observe. They are disasters are in the news daily and we are often reminded non-violence(Ahimsa), truth, non-accumulation of to use, reuse and recycle. We have often times extended material possessions, right sexual relationship and the concept of ahimsa to environmental protection and gender dignity, and non-acquisitiveness. An elaboconservation, but have you ever asked what Jain scrip-ration and discussion of these principles in the contures have to say about the environment? Take a journey text of ecological sustainability will pursue in the with us as we attempt to uncover the Jain underpinnings second half of the session. By understanding and for being nature lovers. In this session, we will reveal fresh, practicing these principles in the contemporary connew spins on the issue of Jainism and the environment. text, society can develop a sense of reverence for
all life and a sense of the sacred. I Ecology deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical environment and studies the interaction of people with their environment. According to the Gaia scientist James Lovelock, the planet earth is gravely ill. Pressed for space and resources, human beings are becoming violent, greedy and extremely selfish. Many important species vital for human survival are gradually disappearing posing a serious threat to the very survival of life on this planet. It is this dangerous situation that attracts our attention towards the Jain Principle of Ahimsa which alone can ensure environmental and eco
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