Teachings on Non -violence in Jainism

Abstract

The term Non- violence is very popular in the present public debate because, people are struggling for non- violence all around the world. Non-violence is a term that most usually refers to an absence of aggression, violence or hostility. Though the world is struggling for non-violence based on various political theories it’s more related to spiritual. Lots of religious teachings have discussed about non-violence but Jainism is significant among them. Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the Shramaṇa tradition. The central tenet is non-violence and respect towards all living beings. The three main principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (non-absolutism) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence or non-injury) is the most fundamental and well-known aspect of Jainism. The everyday implementation of the principle of non-violence is more comprehensive than in other religions and is the hallmark for Jain identity. Jains believe in avoiding harm to others through thoughts (mana), speech (vachana), and actions (kaya). According to the Jain text, Purushartha Siddhyupaya, "killing any living being out of passions is hiṃsa (injury) and abstaining from such act is ahimsa (non-injury)". What is the position of non-violence in Jainism is the research problem and the major objective of this research is to examine the teachings on non violence in Jainism. This research has used only secondary data and data was collected using books, magazines and websites. Data analysis has been done qualitatively. According to the findings of the research Ahimsa, non-violence, has been the sheet-anchor of Jainism. Ahimsa is one of the basic virtues. Nowhere else in the other religious traditions has this basic virtue been so scientifically, scrupulously and thoroughly integrated with the main doctrine. Ja inism is the only tradition which has consistently allowed this tenet soak into the very essentials of its teachings and practices. This singular uncompromising emphasis on Ahimsa is the special and exclusive feature of Jainism. Jains extend the practice of nonviolence and kindness not only towards other humans but towards all living beings. After nonviolence towards humans, animals and insects, Jains make efforts not to injure plants any more than necessary.