Ahimsa Divas Manaye

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ahimsa Divas Manaye" by Rikhabchand Jain, presented in English:

The book "Ahimsa Divas Manaye" (Celebrate Ahimsa Day) by Rikhabchand Jain asserts that ahimsa (non-violence) is humanity's inherent, natural, and core characteristic. The author argues that while humans are naturally non-violent, they can sometimes behave like animals due to anger and malice. Unlike animals, which are categorized as either violent or non-violent, humans are inherently non-violent; only under provocation or emotional turmoil do they exhibit violent tendencies.

The fundamental purpose of all religions, according to Jain, is to guide humans back to their natural non-violent state. Religion provides education, training, rules, principles, and knowledge to prevent individuals from succumbing to their baser instincts. The practice of core human virtues like ahimsa, truthfulness, self-control, cooperation, love, compassion, and kindness constitutes religious conduct. Any belief system that promotes demonic qualities over these inherent human virtues is considered unrighteous, sinful, and undesirable. The author distinguishes between religiously sanctioned military training for defense and the violence promoted by terrorist organizations, emphasizing that the former is permissible if its objective is defense, not aggression.

Ahimsa is presented as the essence and root of all religions. Jain, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and other faiths all aim to cultivate non-violent tendencies and steer individuals away from vices like anger, ego, greed, deceit, falsehood, and lust. No religious founder has ever established principles that deviate from truth and ahimsa.

The book further connects ahimsa to civilization. Civilization is defined by human conduct characterized by cooperation, mutual love, empathy, compassion, and kindness. Societies that engage in constant conflict and wrongdoing are deemed barbaric. Historically, civilizations like the Indus Valley, Chinese, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, and Mayan flourished through mutual love and cooperation. Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankar of Jainism, established the earliest civilization based on love and non-violence, transitioning from hunting to agriculture and organized village life. Therefore, where there is civilization, there is ahimsa, and ahimsa serves as the ultimate guide for conduct and decision-making.

Ahimsa has various dimensions. It encompasses not harming, not hurting, not quarreling, and not harboring ill will towards any being. The author emphasizes the urgent need for nations to disarm and prevent wars, terrorist attacks, and communal violence. The principle of "live and let live" and vegetarianism are seen as extensions of ahimsa. Beyond refraining from physical violence, ahimsa also involves alleviating the suffering of others, sharing their pain, and helping those in need. Even thought or intent to harm, as explained by Lord Mahavir, is considered violence. Preventing such negative thoughts at their origin is crucial to stopping violent actions. The meticulous adherence to these subtle aspects of ahimsa is a hallmark of Jain ascetics.

The text highlights Mahatma Gandhi's pivotal role in propagating ahimsa. Gandhi is described as an embodiment of ahimsa, and his efforts led to India's independence and a global realization that conflicts can be resolved through love and non-violence. The United Nations has recognized Gandhi's birthday, October 2nd, as International Ahimsa Day, a testament to the global significance of this principle. The book calls upon citizens, Jain communities, and peace-loving individuals to actively promote ahimsa.

The author urges for a comprehensive approach to celebrating Ahimsa Day, moving beyond mere slogans to incorporating non-violent behavior in daily life, including diet, lifestyle, interactions, and thought processes. Promoting disarmament, coexistence, cooperation, love, vegetarianism, sobriety, health, and poverty alleviation through education that instills ahimsa is crucial.

The book draws parallels between Mahatma Gandhi's adoption and propagation of ahimsa and Emperor Ashok's conversion to Buddhism and his efforts to spread its message. Just as Ashok sent his children to disseminate Buddha's teachings, the author calls upon the followers of Jainism to carry forward Mahavir's message of ahimsa.

The text emphasizes the need for media to play a significant role in disseminating information and fostering a positive environment for ahimsa. Educational materials, websites, and media programs should be developed in various languages to reach a global audience. Dedicated individuals and organizations should work collaboratively to promote ahimsa, ensuring that its principles permeate all aspects of life and lead to a peaceful and secure future for humanity.

In essence, "Ahimsa Divas Manaye" is a powerful call to action, advocating for ahimsa not just as a religious tenet but as the fundamental basis for human civilization, global peace, and the collective well-being of all living beings.