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Appendices
71
Mahāvīra has added that non-violence, self-restraint and penance are the essentials of righteousness. Even celestials bow down before one who is rooted in dharma.
The principle of non-violence embraces not only humans and animals, but also trees, vegetables, air and water. The latter will also feel the pain when injured. All souls render service to one another and cannot exist independently. They have to share their pleasure and pain with others. The agencies of nature have their own roles to play and hence man if he wants peace should live in co-existence with them.
Ahimsā is therefore a practical necessity in the world today, said Shri Dulichand Jain in a lecture. Violence is caused by passions and carelessness.
Anger, conceit, deceit and greed are the four powerful enemies, which stimulate sinful deeds. Jaina teachers have drawn a distinction (for householders) between injurious activities totally forbidden and those, which may be tolerated within strict guidelines. The positive aspect of Ahimsă implies forgiveness, kindness, compassion, charity, service, respect for the virtuous and neutrality. Control of speech and of thoughts, regulation of movement, care in planning and upkeep of things strengthen the practice of non-violence. No wonder Mahāvīra called it Bhagavati Ahimsā.
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