Jainism And Ecology Views Of Nature Nonviolence And Vegeteranism

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided text from Michael Tobias's "Jainism and Ecology: Views of Nature, Nonviolence, and Vegetarianism":

The essay explores Jainism as a distinct and ancient faith, arguably the oldest living religion, predating Buddhism and Hinduism. Michael Tobias introduces Jainism through a personal encounter in an Indian temple, highlighting the strict adherence to non-violence, even in the prohibition of leather due to its animal origin. He posits that at its core, Jainism is characterized by a profound reverence for nature, differentiating it from other religions that worship deities.

Core Tenets and Philosophy:

• Reverence for Nature: Jains revere nature not as a deity to be worshipped but as an intrinsic part of existence. They believe humanity must recognize its place within the natural process, not as a superior entity but as an integral part of it, needing nurturing and recognition.
• Ahimsa (Nonviolence): This is the central principle of Jainism, translating to nonviolence or non-interference. It extends beyond physical harm to encompass speech, thought, and action. The ultimate goal is to minimize suffering for all living beings.
• Jinas (Peaceful Conquerors): The term "Jainism" derives from "jina," meaning a peaceful conqueror of the self. The 24 Tirthankaras, including Mahavira, are revered as exemplars who achieved perfect understanding and action through self-conquest. They are not gods but enlightened humans who attained liberation on Earth.
• Jivan-mukta (The Divine on Earth): Jains see Earth as the only true sphere of meaning and the place for moral and aesthetic culmination. They believe the enlightened find divinity here, not in escaping it.
• Anekantavada (Nonabsolutism): This philosophy recognizes the many-sidedness of thinking, acknowledging that truth can be viewed from multiple perspectives. This is applied to ethical decision-making, particularly in minimizing harm.
• Karma: Jains believe karma, like a cataract, clouds the soul. The goal is to restrict and banish the accumulation of karma (material goods, passions, ill-will, ego) to achieve liberation (moksha).
• The Five Vows (Anuvratas): These are the fundamental ethical guidelines: ahimsa (nonviolence), satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacarya (sexual abstinence), and aparigraha (nonpossession).

Ecological Practices and Implications:

• Radical Vegetarianism: Jainism is adamantly vegetarian. Monks often consume food with only one sense organ (e.g., fruits, vegetables, grains) and limit their meals. They practice extreme caution in food preparation and consumption to avoid harming even one-sensed beings.
• Minimizing Harmful Professions: Jains renounce professions that involve harming animals, such as farming that might kill insects, working with timber, or mineral exploitation. They also avoid professions that cause significant environmental damage.
• Animal Welfare: Jains actively establish animal welfare centers (panjorapors) to rescue and care for old or infirm animals, intervening in natural processes to prevent suffering. They purchase animals destined for slaughterhouses.
• Social Equality and Pragmatism: Jainism has always granted equal status to women and rejected caste systems, believing all people can achieve enlightenment. They permit abortion and contraception when the mother's well-being is jeopardized, demonstrating pragmatic minimizing of violence.
• Lifestyle Choices: Jains forego silk, avoid professions that harm animals or the environment, and even question the use of cars due to the harm they cause to insects. Monks practice celibacy, viewing ejaculation as the destruction of life.
• Philanthropy and Economic Success: Despite their strict ethical codes, Jains are often economically successful, attributing this to their adherence to principles of generosity and giving. They invest their earnings philanthropically to further the practice of ahimsa.
• Integration of Inner and Outer Worlds: Jainism emphasizes that inner contemplation (meditation) and outer activism (action) are inseparable. This introspection leads to outward action focused on ecological harmony and the protection of all life.

Key Concepts and Distinctions:

• Nature as Self: Jains perceive nature as an extension of oneself, and harm to nature is harm to the self.
• Conscious Love: This is seen as the evolutionary instinct of nature, striving for harmonious coexistence.
• The Ideal vs. Reality: While the Jain ideal is extreme in its avoidance of harm, Tobias notes its accessibility to individuals. Even in everyday professions like diamond cutting or publishing, Jains strive to minimize their impact.
• Universal Decency and Stewardship: The core of Jainism lies in fostering universal decency, joy, empathy, and stewardship for all life forms, recognizing the interdependence of all souls.

In essence, Michael Tobias presents Jainism as a profound and comprehensive ecological philosophy rooted in absolute nonviolence and a deep reverence for all life. It's a system that integrates spiritual discipline with practical, earth-conscious actions, urging humanity to act as responsible stewards of the planet.