Ahinsa Is Not Religion

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Ahinsa is Not Religion" by Clare Rosenfield and Linda Segall, based on the teachings of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu:

The book "Ahinsa is Not Religion" asserts that Ahimsa (Non-Violence) is not merely a religious tenet, but a fundamental way of life that encompasses a deep reverence for all living beings. This philosophy, rooted in Jainism, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the inherent value of every soul.

Core Philosophy: Reverence for All Life

• Universal Life Force: The central tenet is that all living beings, from humans to the smallest ant, possess an equal and sacred life force. The Jain perspective recognizes that every soul desires to live, experience joy, and avoid pain.
• Self-Reverence as Foundation: The practice of Ahimsa begins with cultivating self-reverence, recognizing the preciousness of one's own consciousness, body, mind, and emotions. This self-respect then naturally extends outwards to all other living beings.
• Cause and Effect: The book highlights the universal law of cause and effect, emphasizing that our thoughts, words, and actions have direct consequences. Harmful intentions and actions, even those that seem small, ultimately rebound upon oneself.
• Consciousness and Evolution: Jainism views evolution primarily as the evolution of consciousness. Humans are considered to be at a high rung of this ladder, with the capacity to consciously guide their further development by shedding negative traits like ignorance, anger, greed, and competitiveness.

Practical Application: Minimizing Harm and Vegetarianism

• Minimizing Violence: Living in accordance with Ahimsa involves making conscious choices to minimize the harm caused to all life. This requires vigilance, awareness of intentions, and a fearless commitment to living in harmony with nature's laws.
• Intent is Key: The intention behind an action is paramount. Even if accidental harm occurs, the focus is on minimizing it and cultivating a sincere desire not to cause pain.
• Vegetarianism as a Natural Outcome: Vegetarianism is presented not as an arbitrary rule, but as a natural and compassionate consequence of Reverence for All Life. The book argues that consuming animals, which possess developed senses and complex emotional lives, causes significant pain and suffering.
• Choosing the Bloodless Path: The plant kingdom, which generally has fewer senses and a less developed nervous system, is presented as a more compassionate food source. The book advocates for a diet derived from fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Dietary Choices and Health: A plant-based diet is linked to numerous health benefits, including lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. It also reduces exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and other harmful chemicals found in animal products.
• Ethical Considerations: The book delves into the ethical implications of dairy and egg consumption, highlighting the potential for animal suffering in modern agricultural practices and advocating for veganism as the most consistent expression of reverence for life.

Ahimsa and World Peace

• Connecting Personal and Global Peace: The book draws a powerful parallel between the exploitation of animals and the causes of war. The mentality that allows for the devaluing and suffering of other sentient beings is the same mentality that can lead to violence and conflict between humans.
• Responsibility and Awareness: By taking responsibility for our food choices and actively seeking to minimize harm, we begin to dismantle the foundations of violence within ourselves. This awareness, in turn, contributes to a more peaceful and compassionate world.
• Transforming Consciousness: Practicing Ahimsa and vegetarianism is seen as a way to transform human consciousness, moving away from a mindset of domination and exploitation towards one of interconnectedness and empathy.
• Living Example: The teachings of Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanu emphasize the importance of living by example, demonstrating kindness and compassion to all creatures. This not only benefits the animals but also fosters personal peace and contributes to a more harmonious global community.

In essence, "Ahinsa is Not Religion" is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy, demonstrating that non-violence is a practical, ethical, and spiritual imperative for living a meaningful and compassionate life, ultimately leading to personal well-being and a more peaceful world. It encourages a conscious re-evaluation of our relationship with all life, advocating for a lifestyle that minimizes harm and maximizes reverence for every living being.