________________
The Doctrines of the Jainas
tions and which carry within themselves the seeds of betterment not only for the individual practitioner but for the masses also. This war-torn world, governed by men of ambition and greed, will be saved in spite of itself by men of peace who carry in their hearts the instruction of the sages.
Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah Non-Violence is the Highest Religion.
The central teaching of Jainism may be quoted in the words of Purusartha Siddhyupaya: "Ahimsa is the non-appearance of attachment and other pussions. Their appearance is Himsa-violence."
This is called “the summary of the Jaina scripture."
In our personal life, as in collective life everywhere, violence, open or disguised, is at work. War will never be banished and Peace will never be ushered in while violence courses in men's brains. Jainism makes a unique contribution not in proclaiming a Religion with NonViolence as its centre, but in fully elaborating the technique of becoming non-violent. This is what the world needs today. There is a genuine appreciation of Gandhiji's Satyagrahą; but to understand and live it, some wise practical instruction is necessary. Similarly the creed of Ahimsa held up by Jainism is known to the world at large. But the world needs men and women who have practised Ahimsa, who live by daily in all the affairs of life. Jainism has precepts which the world will more readily and enthusiastically accept when these are demonstrated by a few men and women who live the precepts without becoming monks or nuns.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
