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The
Docrine of Ahimsa has been universally accepted as a basic principle
of jain religion. Ahimsä or Non-violence is a fundamental part of
the Jain teachings and is based on love and kindness for all forms
of life. It has been pointed out in Jain scriptures that even the
thought of evil is as bad as the action resulting in injury. It
takes non-violence to its highest form in thoughts, words and deeds.
The killing, which is
done through the careless activity of thought, speech and body, is
violence. - Tattvärth Sutra of Umäswämi
As written in the seventh chapter of 9th
and 10th sutra of Tattvärth Sutra of Umäswämi
himsa is the cause of distress not only in this life but in several
other yonis (lifes).
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In
trying to enforce in one's life the central teaching of Gita, one is
bound to follow Truth and Ahimsa. Perfect renunciation is impossible
without perfect observance of Ahimsa in every shape and form.
- Mahatma Ghandhi
Through the successful efforts of Mahatma Ghandhi in making
non-violence in word, thought, and deed, the basis of all struggle
for political liberty, freedom, and self-government, the word Ahimsa
has acquired a word-wide recognition. |
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Ahimsä is disciplined
behavior towards every living being - Dashvaikalika Sutra (6/9)
Absence of violence of
any sort towards all beings at all times is Ahimsa. -Yogasutra
Gautam
Buddha has been called the Lord of Compassion. The God of Hindus is
called Dayalu, Kripalu. "Thou shalt not kill"
is one of the ten commandments in the Holy Bible. Ahimsä is
not to be practiced at the physical level only but at a
mental one as well. In other words, ‘Man’ (mind),
‘Vachan’ (speech), or ‘Kaya’ (body) states. Even
hurting someone’s feelings is himsä. In fact, ‘Violence is the
presence of evil thoughts, feelings or attitude’. Ahimsa or
non-injury, of course, implies non-killing. But, non-injury is
not merely non-killing. In its comprehensive meaning, Ahimsa or
non-injury means entire abstinence from causing any pain or
harm whatsoever to any living creature, either by thought,
word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and
hand. Ahimsa is not mere negative non-injury. It is positive,
cosmic love. It is the development of a mental attitude in
which hatred is replaced by love. Ahimsa is true sacrifice.
Ahimsa is forgiveness. Ahimsa is Sakti (power). Ahimsa is true
strength. |
AHIMSA and JAINISM
