Jain Concept Of Ahimsa

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text on the Jain Concept of Ahimsa:

The Jain Concept of Ahimsa: A Soulful Principle of Non-Violence

The text, "Jain Concept of Ahimsa" by Dr. P.M. Upadhye, highlights Ahimsa as the quintessential and soul-stirring principle of Jainism, integral to its existence and philosophical thought. It asserts that without Ahimsa, Jainism ceases to have meaning.

Understanding Ahimsa:

• General Meaning: Ahimsa is broadly defined as abstaining from killing or causing pain to others, whether in thought, word, or deed. It encompasses a policy of refraining from violence and a doctrine of non-injury to all living beings.
• Practical Application: In practice, Ahimsa translates to abstaining from animal food, renouncing war, rejecting thoughts of taking life, and viewing all living beings as akin.
• Jainism's Embrace: The Jain concept of Ahimsa fully embraces these meanings and significantly expands upon them, establishing it as a primary tenet. This is evidenced in all Jain canonical works, biographies of saints, and Jain puranas, which consistently proclaim Ahimsa in both letter and spirit.

The Pillars of Ahimsa in Jainism:

• The Five Great Vows: Jainism prescribes that monks and laymen follow vows, with Ahimsa being the foremost. These vows are lifelong commitments.
• Unconditional vs. Conditional Vows: Great vows for monks are unconditional, while for laymen, they are modified to focus on abstaining from offenses against living matter that lead to death.
• Positive Nature of Ahimsa: Ahimsa in Jainism is not merely a negative concept of refraining from harm. It is a positive principle. It encompasses avoiding active harm, causing harm, or consenting to harm. This applies to mental, physical, and verbal actions, as stipulated in texts like Uvāsagadasão.
• Ethical Imperative: Ahimsa carries a profound ethical dimension, advocating for the preservation of all forms of life and a deep reverence for life itself. This aspect of Jain discipline is emphasized as being uniquely pervasive, even more so than other ethical prescriptions.

The Influence and Significance of Jain Ahimsa:

• Broader Recognition: The text notes the importance of Ahimsa in other traditions, including Patanjali Yoga (as one of the Yamas), Gautama Dharma Sutra (as a means of salvation), and even in Buddhism.
• Philosophical and Social Impact: Philosophers like Will Durant acknowledge Jainism's emphasis on asceticism and complete Ahimsa for release. Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced by this Jain concept, making it the cornerstone of his policies and life. The Mahabharata and Manu Smriti also speak highly of Ahimsa, and it finds expression in Upanishadic thought.
• Contribution to Social Order: Jainism's positive and comprehensive understanding of Ahimsa is crucial for social development. It fosters individual peace and contributes to a peaceful society. In today's world, marked by tension, fear of war, and hatred, the Jain concept of Ahimsa is presented as an essential factor for establishing global peace and a rational social order.

Clarification on Warfare in Jain Tradition:

The text also addresses a potential misunderstanding by quoting that Jains can undertake any action for the defense of the nation and that Jain puranas are filled with wars, in which even those who have taken minor vows have participated. The quote from Padmapurana describes a Kshatriya going to war, supported by his wife and admired by celestial maidens, highlighting a context where participation in war, even for righteous reasons, was acknowledged. This suggests that while Ahimsa is a paramount principle, its application might have nuanced interpretations within the broader Jain tradition, particularly in the context of societal responsibilities.

In conclusion, the text powerfully articulates Ahimsa as the very essence of Jainism, a multifaceted principle that extends beyond mere non-violence to encompass a deep reverence for all life, with profound ethical and societal implications for both individual conduct and global peace.