Ahimsa Parmo Dharma
 |
By Pujya Smitabai Mahasatiji
……1000 People Killed in A Bomb Blast……
……35 Passengers Gunned By Terrorist……
These are few incidents which have become a common feature in today's world. Newspaper headlines scream about these events everyday and your heart bleeds when you read that thousands of innocent people are made victims of insane and ruthless violence. The practice of violence has ruined the life of people- it has caused havoc, chaos and utter confusion in the life and property have snatched away the peace of mind.
Spiritual attachment and illiteracy have made people forget that violence is no solution to any problem. "Ahimsa Parmo Dharma," i.e., non-violence is the ultimate religion- this has been preached by religious stalwarts like Mahavir, Buddha and many others. They have proved that non-violence is stronger weapon than violence to solve any problem.
The sense of insecurity, fear and hatred have messed up human life. man has become a confuse animal, always on the lookout for peace of mind. He has got no time for himself and is always engrossed to free himself from the bonds of life that have been bestowed upon him by the world. Spiritual practice and religion have become a distant dream for most common people.
Peace can be attained. You do not have to roam around to find it, as it is an inner state of mind. People nowadays resort to various practices such as becoming members of ashrams and religious institutions, etc., to obtain peace of mind. Recent examples are of foreigners becoming members of the Rajnessh ashram and Iskcon. On being asked the reason to join these cults, the only answer is- to obtain peace of mind. But do they really achieve it?
Have you ever seen and experienced the cries and helplessness of an innocent animal, who is to be butchered? Ask your conscience when you are consuming non-vegetarian food that whether you are doing right or wrong? Just to satisfy your hunger, you have slaughtered an innocent creature? It is really shameful and disgusting to see one creature satisfying his need by brutally killing another creature.
Nowadays, slaughtering of animals is not only resorted to satisfying hunger, but also to satisfy the luxurious needs of people. Animal skins, bones etc., are used to make bags, purses, belts, ornaments etc. Cruelty to animals should be stopped. In fact governments of various nations have realised that wildlife is fast diminishing and some species are on the verge of extinction. Therefore, to protect them, laws had strict rules are formulated to protect the endangered species.
Unless and until people realize, this violence to animals will not stop. This also applies to humans resorting to violence. Strict laws are made to protect human lives also, but the practice of violence has torn the pages of law. Therefore, it is up to people to understand and think rationally the pros and cons of their activities and to act upon it to make this world a better place to live in.
-----------------------------------------------------
Source : Journal of Asian Jain Conference (March 1990)
Organised By Singapore Jain Religious Society
-----------------------------------------------------
Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R29602
