Ahimsa The Science Of Peace

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Ahimsa: The Science of Peace" by Surendra Bothra, based on the provided text:

Overall Theme:

"Ahimsa: The Science of Peace" by Surendra Bothra, published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, is an exploration of the Jain philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and its relevance in modern times. The book aims to present this ancient concept in a rational, scientific, and universally applicable manner, moving beyond mere ritualistic observance to its deeper philosophical and practical dimensions. It argues that Ahimsa, when understood and applied correctly, offers solutions to contemporary global challenges like terrorism, environmental degradation, and social discord.

Key Concepts and Arguments:

• Ahimsa Beyond Non-Killing: The book emphasizes that Jain Ahimsa is far more profound than simply "non-violence" or "not killing." It encompasses a comprehensive code of conduct that extends to thoughts, speech, and actions, advocating for respect for all living beings, from the microscopic to the macroscopic. It stresses the importance of Bhava Ahimsa (mental violence) over Dravya Ahimsa (physical violence), arguing that true Ahimsa stems from a purity of mind and intention.
• The Framework of Violence: Jain philosophy, as explained by Bothra, delves into the underlying causes of violence, identifying passions like anger, conceit, illusion, and greed (Kashayas) as the root. These passions manifest through mental, verbal, and physical actions, often with the involvement of oneself, others, or consent. Understanding this framework is crucial for eradicating violence.
• Scientific and Philosophical Basis: The author bridges Jain philosophy with modern scientific understanding, drawing parallels between Jain concepts and biological evolution, psychology, and environmental science. He suggests that Jainism's classification of life forms (Sthavar and Tras) and its understanding of interconnectedness align with scientific discoveries.
• Ahimsa as a Way of Life: The book champions Ahimsa not as a rigid set of rules or rituals but as a dynamic and adaptable way of life. It advocates for a "balanced" approach, emphasizing self-discipline, control of desires (Aparigraha), and the cultivation of positive feelings like compassion, fraternity, and equanimity.
• Application in Modern Society: Bothra asserts that Ahimsa is not outdated but is, in fact, highly relevant to solving modern problems.
  • Terrorism: He links terrorism to acute financial and intellectual adversity, religious fanaticism, and the neglect of the "have-nots" by the "haves." He argues that Ahimsa, through promoting social uplift, educational initiatives, and addressing the root causes of discontent, can combat these issues by diffusing threat perception. The principle of Syadvada (relativity of truth) is presented as a tool to counter polarization and dogmatism.
  • Environmental Degradation: The book highlights that consumerism, driven by greed and ambition, is a major cause of environmental pollution. Ahimsa, by promoting limiting needs, restraint in consumption, and respect for all life forms and natural elements, offers a solution to protect the environment. He connects the Jain concept of Parigraha (possessiveness) to ecological sustainability.
• Reinterpreting Jain Principles: A significant portion of the book focuses on the need to re-interpret and apply Jain principles in a modern context, moving away from rote ritualism. The author criticizes the tendency for Jain practices to become overly rigid and sectarian, advocating for a more flexible and adaptable approach that retains the spirit of the teachings.
• The Role of Education and Practice: Bothra stresses that genuine adherence to Ahimsa requires understanding and consistent practice, not just verbal acceptance or ritualistic observance. He suggests that education, starting from childhood, should focus on instilling Ahimsa principles through experiential learning, as demonstrated by the "Young Jains" project. Parents, teachers, and religious leaders have crucial roles in this.
• Ahimsa as a Science of Peace: The book posits that Ahimsa, when understood scientifically and philosophically, offers a universal path to peace. It advocates for a shift from a focus on rituals to a deeper understanding and practice of the underlying principles, emphasizing dynamism, discipline, and balance in all aspects of life.

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured into chapters that systematically explore the concept of Ahimsa:

• The Concept: Defining Ahimsa and its origins, differentiating it from mere ritual.
• The Life: Discussing the Jain understanding of life, including micro-organisms and the Sthavar and Tras classifications.
• The Framework: Explaining the causal chain of violence originating from passions.
• The Action: Detailing attitudes like Irya-samiti (careful movement) and Mano-Gupti (control of mind).
• The Thought: Emphasizing the importance of purifying thoughts and combating mental violence.
• The Exploration: Discussing the attitude of carefulness in acquiring and using things.
• The Food: Examining dietary choices through the lens of Ahimsa and health.
• The Feeling: Delving into the cultivation of positive emotions and compassion.
• The Philosophy: Outlining the seven basic concepts of Jainism related to purification and liberation.
• The Application: Exploring the practical application of Ahimsa to modern problems like terrorism, environmental issues, consumerism, and selfishness.
• The Scope: Further elaborating on the relevance of Ahimsa in tackling terrorism, environmental degradation, and consumerism, with a focus on the need for individual and societal transformation.
• Appendix: Including excerpts from "Experiments with Jainism" by Atul K. Shah, showcasing a modern, experiential approach to practicing Jain principles.

In Essence:

Surendra Bothra's "Ahimsa: The Science of Peace" is a compelling call to re-examine and revitalize the Jain principle of Ahimsa. It argues that this ancient philosophy, when understood in its full depth and applied with a modern, scientific, and holistic perspective, holds the key to achieving individual well-being, social harmony, and global peace. The book empowers readers to move beyond superficial interpretations and embrace Ahimsa as a practical and transformative way of life.