Tag: Ahimsā

Excerpts from Asoka’s Edicts The virtues that Asoka desired to inculcate among his subjects were the following as referred to again and again in one or other of the Inscriptions, viz. mercifulness towards all living beings; charities and gifts to Brahmana,Sramanas, ascetics, friends, relatives and acquaintances; truthfulness, purity of thought, honesty, gentleness, gratitude, self restraint, steadfastness, non-injury to animal life and fear of sin; moderation in spending and in ownership; respectfulness towards parents, elders and teachers; proper behaviour towards Brahmans,  ascetics, relatives, servants and slaves; avoidance of ferocity, cruelty, anger pride and envy, exertion in good works; relieving the sufferings of the aged, the indigent  and the sick, toleration of and respectfulness towards others’ faiths, avoidance of meaningless rituals, avoidance of sectarian bigotry etc

Rituals play an important part in our religion to build culture around the community, to inspire one another, strengthen religious values, build up interest in religion and for survival of any religion. However, rituals must be performed with the right understanding and interpretation, such that it provides an inspiring and uplifting experience. Rituals should enable our spiritual growth and serve as a reminder to reflect upon the Jain philosophies, values and proper conduct.

IF ONE does not practice non-violence in one's personal relations with others, and hopes to use it in bigger affairs, one is vastly mistaken. Non-violence like charity must begin at home. But if it is necessary for the individual to be trained in non-violence, it is even more necessary for the nation to be trained likewise. One cannot be non-violent in one's own circle and violent outside it.

Whether you're experienced in yoga or just starting out, integrating the practice of ahimsa in everyday life can lead to wonderful strides. Ahimsa is one of the five yamas, which are the ethical, moral, and societal guidelines for yogis. Ahimsa can be distilled into a practice of non-violence in all aspects of life, from the physical to the mental and emotional.

Bullying, cyber-bullying and violence in schools are human rights violations, which infringe on the rights of children and young people to live a life free from violence. Schools can, and should, play a key role in tackling these abuses.

Non-Violence and Sustainability As a young person considering how to apply principles of Jainism to my daily modern life, I consider sustainable choices to be one of the keyways to practice non-violence. These days, sustainability is a hot topic, sometimes a polarizing buzzword used by our global institutions to encompass a wide array of choices around protecting our climate and the human race. While there are certainly many articles and authors that discuss the role of  institutions in making sustainable choices, I'd like to focus on the more human, day-to-day side of sustainability and how Jainism non-violence is a huge part of it.

As a young person considering how to apply principles of Jainism to my daily modern life, I consider sustainable choices to be one of the keyways to practice non-violence. These days, sustainability is a hot topic, sometimes a polarizing buzzword used by our global institutions to encompass a wide array of choices around protecting our climate and the human race. While there are certainly many articles and authors that discuss the role of  institutions in making sustainable choices, I'd like to focus on the more human, day-to-day side of sustainability and how Jainism non-violence is a huge part of it.

Alertness in Walking Over time, I have inculcated the practice of walking by looking down and not rushing unnecessarily while walking to try to protect small insects and beings. Also, I am now more conscious of not walking on grass and changing my route wherever possible. Sometimes I miss it in the first instance, but just like a reflex, the memory of alertness pops up and reminds me to look down rather than look around. Hoping, it will become Sat Sanskãr over time and remain deeply implanted in the soul.