Non-violence, cardinal principle of Jainism

CHENNAI, OCT. 19. Today, in the race for progress and growth, man has forgotten the real purpose of his life. He knows much more about the external world but very little about his own Self. His existence is marked by conflicts. Even in advanced countries life is not harmonious. Economic growth alone, as the yardstick for measuring the standard of life to the exclusion of all other values, has verily led to the destruction of human personality. The question in this context therefore arises whether religion can meet the need of our times and solve the problems of the present-day humanity. Thinkers of one of the religions of India, Jainism, have stated clearly that religion does not mean mere rituals and dogmas. It has eternal values having validity for all times to come. Propounded by Mahavira in the present era, it is being practised by lakhs of followers even today.

In Jainism, religion is not different from the practice for the realisation of our own essential nature. Its object is to achieve equanimity of mind and enjoy real peace and bliss. It takes an integral view of life. It states that man should have a combination of right faith, right type of spiritual knowledge and right conduct, to tread the path of salvation. These three are the jewels of Jainism and proper observance of these will result in enjoying peace within an individual and of the society. Detachment from the objects of worldly pleasures, a balanced state of mind and the feeling of equanimity are considered as right faith or attitude and one who possesses them will know what is to be accomplished and what is to be relinquished. Through right knowledge, a person will understand the real nature of the soul and of non-living substances. The cardinal principle of Jainism is non-violence, said Sri Dulichand Jain in a lecture. It means giving respect to all forms of life. Non-violence is the pivot on which whole ethics revolves and it is a combination of all virtues.

The positive side of non-violence implies kindness, forgiveness, charity and service, explained in a verse by one of the renowned Acharyas, Amitagati (11th century) as ``friendship towards all, respect for the qualities of virtuous people, utmost compassion for the afflicted beings and equanimity towards those who are not well-disposed towards me.'' Mahavira had laid great stress on the equality of all human beings. He had said that both men and women were eligible to attain emancipation after destroying the passions and karmas. All barriers of caste, creed and colour are artificial and should go.

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