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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision
such persons are condemned to be sent to hell after death or may have to undergo sufferings in the next birth or life. That is why it is said that one, who is wise and rational, does not indulge in violence of any kind. The Jain religion considers inflicting of pain or even indulgence of criticism of others as different forms of violence. If one cannot extend even a single moment in the life of others, one has no right to take away any moments in the life of others through violence. When one hurts the feelings of others or uses bad words for others, also indulges in violence, though of a different form.
The Jain religion also considers it an evil act of violence not only when one indulges in it directly, but also when one supports or encourages others to practise it. Thus the Jain concept of violence is very broad and it encompasses violence not only through deeds or action, but also through words, speech etc. The word Jayana in the Jain religion implies that one should be careful in not inflicting any form of violence on any organism - big or small. Even when violence is perpetrated on the smallest of the living being because of our idleness or negligence, it is not permissible or acceptable in the tenets of the Jain religion. Hence even that type of violence is also prohibited by the Jain religion. Not only the violence by deeds, but violence in thought is also prohibited. Further, sticking rigidly to ones opinions or summarily rejecting the opinions of others is also one form of violence. The Jain religion takes into consideration the concept of non-violence in the context of diet or food also and precribes for its followers a completely vegetarian diet. Acharang Sutra of the Jains says that no one
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