________________
Universal ethics and justice; instead of making a man self-reliant and motivated to develop his innate powers, it makes him a fatalist resigned to the mercy and favour of a higher power.
The Jains are proclaiming their firm belief that violence (himsa) is not compatible with the “sacred"; that the scriptures which approved violence as a means of dharma were not holy; and also that no person, however exalted, is to be emulated if his conduct brings harm to other beings. Non-violence or ahimsa is the basis of all dharma: and this ahimsa itself rests upon the knowledge that all beings, even the most insignificant ones, possess an immortal soul, capable of attaining perfection. This seed of perfection called samyaktva is the single most “sacred" thing for the Jain. Upon this foundation he has built a very elaborate network of holy practices for the realization of his true nature. University of California Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies Berkeley, California 94720
Jaina Song
(Tune: Rain Rain go away) Violence Violence go away Return not another day Little brother Little brother Little children want to live Jealousy Jealousy go away Return not another day Little brother Little brother Little children want to be free Greed Greed go away Return not another day Little brother Little brother Little children want to share Anger Anger go away Return not another day Little brother Little brother Little children want total peace. Karma Karma go away Return not another day Little brother Little brother Little children want salvation.
Praveen J. Shah, Canada
105
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
