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Ahiṁsā (Non-Violence) & Human Rights In Indian Culture: With Special Reference To Jainism (2)
Ahiṁsā in Jainism
Jainism has
gone into detailed discussions on Ahiṁsā.
Since the eternal time period of Lord Ṛṣabh
Deva,
all rituals of Jain religion are based on the principle of Ahiṁsā. Not only in religious rituals but in each and every activity
of life Ahiṁsā should be practiced.
The foundation of Jainism is in fact Ahiṁsā.
After Lord Ṛṣabh Deva, Lord Māhavīra
said ‘Like earth is the basis of existence of all living beings, similarly the philosophy
of all great people of the past, present and future is Ahiṁsā’. The Ahiṁsak
culture has in fact made
India a great nation.
Violence can
never be the religion. All living beings in this universe, be they small or big,
animals or human beings, all wish to live and not die. How can anyone like the violent
behaviour which you do not like? Absence of violence is Ahiṁsā.
Jainism is one of the oldest religions of the world. A comparative study of the
three main religions of
Jain philosophy
and culture is the proponent of not only the mankind but the entire world of living
beings. From beginningless times and from the time of Lord Ṛṣabh Deva in the present time cycle, Human rights and welfare
have been greatly emphasized. Jain philosophy goes a step further even in talking
of the rights and
welfare of all types of living beings (i.e. not restricting just to mankind).
Satveṣu maitrī, guṇiṣu pramodaṁ, kliṣṭaiṣu jīveṣu, kṛpā paratvaṁ
Mādhyastha bhaṁva, viprīta- vṛtto,
sadā mamātmā vid ghātu deva
- Ācārya Amitrgāta
i.e. we extend friendship to all living beings, seeing the virtuous we should feel
happy , should feel compassion on seeing the beings in pain and different to bad
persons.
While enunciating the importance of five
mahavratas enunciated by the Jinas,[7]
Jain canons say practicing Ahiṁsā,
speaking the truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non possession makes his life like
the religion itself.
Ahiṁsā saccaṁ
c ateṇgaṁ
c,
Totto ya bambhaṁ apariggahaṁ
cṁ
Padivajjiya pañc mahavvayāṇi
Carijja dhamamaṁ jiṇdesiyaṁ vidū
Like religion is the basis of the life style of its followers, so is the constitution
of a country for its citizens to run all institutions effectively. Whereas the constitution
of a country presents the aspirations of its citizens, so also it is the foundation
to administer successfully the institutions of an independent country. The constitution
of a country along with the different laws made on its basis contributes effectively
to administer a welfare state.
The constitution of a country clearly reflects the cultural, social, religious and
economic ideologies. Jainism has a clearly visible impact on the social and economic
set up of India. Hence it is naturally enshrined in the constitution of India. The
five ethical vows (vratas) of Jainism have been described in simple language
and adopted in the constitutional and legal framework of India.
1.Ahiṁsā
Ahiṁsā had been given the supreme status in Jainism. Jain canons say
savvesimāsamāṇaṁ, hidayaṁ, gababho va savvsatthaṇaṁ
savvesiṁ vadguṇāṇaṁ, pinḍo sāro ahiṁsā hu
i.e. Basis
of all states of living beings is Ahiṁsā,
foundation of all scriptures is Ahiṁsā,
essence of all ethical practices is Ahiṁsā
and finally the essence of all virtues is Ahiṁsā.
Freedom struggle
of India was fought with the weapon of Ahiṁsā.
It was the potency of Ahiṁsā only that powerful British
Empire was forced to leave India after bowing to the non violent freedom struggle
of Gāndhījī. Gāndhījī himself writes in his autobiography[9]
as ‘Foundation of search for the truth is Ahiṁsā. I experience every moment that till I achieve and realize
Ahiṁsā I cannot get to the
truth itself’.
Ahiṁsā does neither create cowardice nor is negative doctrine.
Not just the brave but only the most powerful can become a follower of the doctrine
of Ahiṁsā. ‘Forgiveness if the
jewel of the braves only’ is the well known doctrine of Jains. Don’t take revenge
but change
the attitude of the enemy. However due to cowardice and folly, a number of rulers
and ignorant people under the influence of self ego make the mistake of thinking
practice of Ahiṁsā as an act of cowardice.
Similarly Jainism
which is basically a religion propounding ‘giving up rater than support consumption’,
emphasizes ‘Live and let live; based on their Ahiṁsā and non possession doctrines. The Jain principles have been
established by Arhantas from the beginningless time, composed by gaṇdhars, and now written by preceptors like preceptor like Tulsī and
Śānti Sāgarjī in four groups (anuyogas) of holy text. Reading and contemplating
of these four groups of holy texts, listening and delivering sermons, teaching and
seeking explanations of the doctrines contained therein along with conducting discussion
groups etc termed under the essential duty ‘svādhyāya’ of Jains. Ahiṁsā is the supreme religion. Detachment thrives
on Ahiṁsā, giving up worldly possessions,
penance, self restraint, practice of the vows along with universal brotherhood,
tolerance and coexistence. Such detachment is even being practiced completely by
Jain preceptors like Muni Vidhyā Nandjī, Muni Vidhyā Sāgarjī, Mahāprajñajī and other
monks and ascetics to advance in their spiritual purification process.
If we analyze
the preamble to the Constitution of India giving briefs on fundamental rights, directive
principles of state policies and fundamental duties shows that Ahiṁsā has being given important place in all of them. Clarifying
the fundamental
rights in the preamble[10],
the constitution vows to implement and extend to all citizens of India equality
in social, legal, economic, freedom to act, equanimity, personality development
and brotherhood. Is it possible to achieve all these without practicing Ahiṁsā? Mahāvīra’s doctrine ‘Live and let live’ is based on
Ahiṁsā and by practicing this
doctrine can we implement all the above statements made in the constitution of India.
Fundamental Rights
[11] (Articles 12-32).
Constitution
of India has provided certain fundamental rights to all citizens of India and foreigners
living in India to lead a dignified life and free from fear of any kind. In all
these rights concerning equality, freedom and right to live we find the basis as
Ahiṁsā only. Article 21 provides
right to freedom for life and body. Supreme court of India while deliberating on
this had declared death sentence as unconstitutional in general except in rarest
of rare cases [12],[13].
Directive
Principles of State Policy[14] (Articles 36-51)
To implement
the declaration about the social-economic justice made in the preamble of the constitution,
the constitution has given certain directive principles to the state of India e.g.
Equal pay for equal work (Article 43), Banning the exploitation of children and
women (Article 23), Environmental Protection (Article 48a), Enhancing International
Peace (Article 51) are all based on the doctrine of Ahiṁsā. It is appropriate to say here that being a welfare
state, it is essential to provide birth right to every child youth, adult, senior
citizens and women and these should be protected by the state. Supreme court of
India has given a number of judgments concerning Article 21 Protection of life and
Personal Liberty[15],
‘law of Precedence reference to Article 141
[16],
Right of Equality Article 14
[17] Gender justice in Employment and in Profession,
Empowerment of Women
[18]and
Directive Principles of State Policy
[19] and Public Interest Litigation
[20] which all relate to different aspects of fundamental
rights of all human beings. I have compiled some of them. The decision provide information
to all citizens about their rights and duties. It is the duty of a welfare state
to implement these and provide good governance to its citizens so as to eliminate
exploitation and suppression of their rights.
Fundamental duties (Article 51A)
[21]
Rights and
duties are co-relative. Constitution of India was further enhanced in 1976 by adding
a section on fundamental duties of its citizens along with their rights. Article
51a (g) clearly states ‘every citizen should protect and Improve natural environment
including forest, lakes, rivers and other wild life inhabiting the forests and make
them better. Further he should have a feeling of compassion towards all living beings.
Similarly it is the duty of every citizen to protect public property and refrain
from violence.’ The author feels that such statements have been included in the
constitution inspired by Ahiṁsā only.
2. Satya
i.e.Truth
Truth is not
bound to an individual person or community. Like sun, moon, air are not limited
to Hindus, Muslims or Jains but belongs to all.
Satya and Ahiṁsā are complimentary to each other. Without being
truthful, how can you enhance fearlessness? If there is no greed, then how aversion
can exist and without aversion violence cannot exist?
Constitutional
aspects:
For a welfare state, it is essential to control the accumulation of wealth by a
few. India, through a declaration of 1976 incorporating changes in the constitution
of India made India a socialist state. Maximum use of nation’s wealth and public
property shall be made to remove poverty and help the destitutes. With this in mind,
constitutional amendment in 1978 (article 31) eliminated the fundamental right to
property earlier existing and gave the right to the state to acquire the wealth
of any individual by paying the appropriate compensation. Important decisions of
the Supreme court of India, making the actions /laws enacted by the government valid
in cases of Keśavānand Bhārti (1976)
[22],
Mādhav Rāo Scindia (1971)
[23],
Nationalization of banks
[24],
abolition of the privy purses of the princes etc. Similarly articles 39 (b and c)
facilitates ownership and control of material wealth and means so that they become
the means of social welfare. Similarly the economic administration should be such
that the wealth and means of production are not concentrated in the hands of a few
to avoid their use for the detriment of general public. It is the definite view
of the author that all these provisions are made to encourage the doctrine of non-possession.
To punish and eliminate hoarding, a law concerning essential commodities act was
also incorporated under which the traders can be punished for hoarding essential
commodities. Recently the government is considering enacting a law to confiscate
wealth acquired through illegal means.
Even with the legal and doctrinal provisions against hoarding, we see a significant
increase in acquiring and hoarding wealth. In our society, a rich man is becoming
richer and the poor is becoming poorer. Under the garb of privatization of trade
and industry, liberalization of the economy and international trade, we see eternal
doctrines of non possession and constitutional declarations being completely set
aside. All these are being done against the concept of a welfare state and the society
based on the principles of equality. Hence it has become essential to remove these
discrepancies.
The above discussions make it amply clear that the five principles of Jainism and
vows have greatly influenced the framing of the constitution and legal framework
of India. The need is for us to understand the intricacies of these principles and
their practical aspects and make efforts to implement them. Similarly it is a warning
to the government to implement in letter and spirit the provisions of the constitution
of India and the legal framework so that India can again resurrect its great spiritual
inheritance.
According to Ācārya Samant Bhadra ‘Religion is one which takes the living beings
from the worldly pain to a zone of peace and tranquility’[25]
i.e. the fundamental purpose of the religion is to provide happiness to its followers.
Human rights are the objectives of the religion as the word
dharma means the one
which is to be practiced. That which is the cause of the happiness of all living
beings is religion. Jain religion talks of
Sarvodaya i.e. welfare of all
living beings[26]
Hence the foundation of Jain philosophy and religion is the welfare of all living
beings. Elimination of pain and acquisition of happiness by all is the objective
of Jainism. The two guiding principles of Jainism are the independence and equality
of all beings.
[27]
According to
Paṇḍit āśā Dhar, the natural
and tendency and hence the religion of the soul is right faith, right knowledge
and right conduct.[28] Ācārya Kunda
Kunda called conduct as religion. Absence of tendencies like anger, pride, deceit,
greed, attachment, aversion and delusion is religion. Ahiṁsā (i.e. feeling of compassion) is
the religion. ‘Ahiṁsā parmo dharma’ i.e. Ahiṁsā
is the supreme religion. Supreme forgiveness - absence of pride - absence of deceit
- speaking the truth- cleanliness - self restraint – penance - giving up - feeling
of non-possessiveness and celibacy are the all parts of conduct and limbs of religion.
All these are the characteristics of humanism. Not to give pain to any one, not
to speak a lie or harsh words, to preach sweet and welfare oriented words, not to
steal, minimize the tendencies of attachment and aversion, have a feeling of compassion,
forgiveness, simplicity, tolerance, co-operation, cleanliness, charity, non accumulation
etc are all characteristics of being humane and are essential for welfare of all
human beings.
Social evils such as untouchables; discrimination based on colour of the skin, rich-poor,
social groupings, animosity to certain communities; alcoholism, prostitution, profiteering,
evading taxes and stealing, excessive accumulation of wealth, smuggling etc are
the expressions of tendencies of greed, anger, ego, aversion, deceit etc. These
all result in suspiciousness amongst neighbours and families and generate animosity
and harbour enmity. An individual will try to eradicate these evils only when he
realizes the temporary nature of wealth, life, youth, body and the world.
External controls, rules and regulations, laws and discipline do not eradicate the
evils from the society, rather these evils increase with the intense application
of these means. But by changing the hearts of people, brain washing them with good
ideas and doctrines and showing human-ness towards them, will help in increasing
the will power and putting a break on the evil tendencies of the people in general.
These will definitely result in social reforms thereby building a happy healthy
society. Kārtikeyesvāmī went to the extent of saying that these contemplations can
ultimately lead the practitioner to achieve bliss.
All declarations
on human rights bring forth the concepts and doctrines of liberty, equality, absence
of exploitation, compassion, forgiveness, Ahiṁsā, discriminations based on caste, colour, creed or language
etc. Jain religion gives an in-depth and well organized analysis of all these tendencies
along with the need and ways to give them up.
Liberty of the individual is the foundation of human rights. Similarly the basis
of Jain religion is the soul which is independent and wants its liberation. According
to Jainism, every living being in this world and all small atoms are independent.
Foundation of Jainism is also personal liberation and equality.
According to Jain beliefs, all living beings are substances, each with its own independent
soul. It does not depend for its existence on any other substance and no other substance
depends on it for their existence. With this view, a living being is its own lord
/go. Each living being is responsible or its uplift or downfall. Thus by nature
the living beings are independent but they can express their independence as human
being based on its efforts. Jain religion accordingly assigns importance to the
importance, dignity and wish of all living beings.
Jains believe that all substances are independent and are busy in their own nature
and activities. Hence no substance to do anything for any other substance[29] Pañcādhyāyī says that’ substance is real,
eternal, has its own identity and existence, self reliant and beyond perception.
These an be compared, in the light of doctrine of human rights, to self cognition
of the living being, fundamental independence, freedom to live and exist and its
independent existence[30].
Verse 95 of Pravacansāra and sūtra V-29-30 of Tattvārathsūtra also define independence
of an entity. Jains belief that a living being is also an entity as it has the attributes
of substantiality and of transformation (vastutva).
Living being is independent encompasses the independence of each living and human
being.
[31] An entity is accompanied with origination,
destruction and permanence. Its transformation is self generated and other entities
are not responsible for it[32].
All living being can attain the status of supreme soul or
paramātmā i.e. attain
bliss through their own efforts. The first statement in the charter of the Human
rights says that a human being is with the faculty to think and has self consciousness.
Jains also believe that each living being is with consciousness and its manifestation
as perception and knowledge.
Jains define jīva (living beings)
are defined as saini
i.e. with the faculty to think. It has consciousness and its manifestation
as knowledge. It has faculties to smell, taste, and touch and hear through its sense
organs
[33] as Jains believe that such beings are with
five senses
[34].
Jiva has consciousness and the capability or its manifestation i.e. with knowledge
and perception
[35].
Jains do not
believe in independence without any limits. Jains do keep in mind the independence
of other beings also. This fact brings forth the concept of Ahiṁsā which emphasizes friendship and brotherhood towards all living
beings.
Pañcastikāya says that the nature of human being is consciousness and its manifestation.
Human, sub-human, heavenly and hellish beings are with five senses.
bhāvā jīvādīyā
jīvaguṇa cedaṇā ya uvaogo
suraṇarayariyā, jīvassa ya pajjyā bahugā
Uttrādhyayan Sūtra says:
ṇāṇaṁ c daṁkahṇṁ cṁva
carittaṁ c tovo tahā
vīriūṁ uvaogo ya rūyaṁ
jīvasya lakkhṇaṁ
i.e. characteristics of jīva are knowledge, intuition, conduct, penance, energy
and their manifestation. In this way jīva is with self consciousness, with mind
and thinking faculty and all jivas are independent.
Every living
being has the right to live and exist. It has freedom to live i.e. to live is its
right. Dasvaikalika sutra says exactly the same about Ahiṁsā.
Savve jīvā
vi iccchaṁti jīviuṁ na marijjiuṁ
Tamhā pāṇvahaṁ ghor niggaṁthā vajjayaṁti sā
i.e. all living
beings wish to live and no one wants to die. Hence their lives should not be destroyed.
Nirgraṅthas have prohibited killing.
Ācāranga Sūtra says:
Savve pāṇā pivayāuyā, suhsāyā dukkh paḍikūlā vahā
Piya jiviṇo jiviuṁ kāmā savvesiṁ jibiyrṁ
piye
i.e. everybody loves his own life. Happiness is desired and unhappiness is frowned
upon by all. To die is undesirable and to live is desirable. Hence everybody wants
to live i.e. everyone should have the freedom to live.
Everybody has
the right to live. Hence no one should be killed. Purūṣārthasiddhiupāya says ‘To kill anyone, tie
anyone, beat
anyone, be cruel to anyone, to treat anyone in human manner all fall under the category
of hiṁsā.’ Going further it says
that even to steal someone’s means of livelihood, to speak in an insulting manner
and harsh words, rape and to usurp other’s property all fall in the category of hiṁsā. All these acts are unworthy of doing and we
should all refrain from them.
Jains believe in the principle of ‘live and let live’. One should live and exist
himself and should not become a hindrance in the life and existence of others also.
Jain holy texts say ‘treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. Do not treat
others in a way you do not want to be treated yourself’.
jṁ icdaṁti
appṇto jṁ cṇ icchsi appṇeto
tṁ icchṁ paiṅrssavi mā ettisaggaṁ
jiṇa sāsayaṁ
Similarly Jain philosophy describes the liberty as human right in crisp manner.
A person will experience his liberation only when there is a treatment of equality
to all and equal opportunity is available to everyone. Jains considers all souls
to be equal or similar. Thus all living beings and all human beings are equal. All
have the attributes of knowledge, intuition and their manifestation[41]. Therefore it is said that treat others as
you wish to be treated yourself. To maintain equanimity and balance towards all
is a different form of samtā / equality. Human rights are similar
to the concept of equanimity in conduct of Jains. ‘sarva satveṣu hi samatā sarva charaṇāṇāṅ paramaṅ charaṇe’
i.e. conduct based on equanimity towards
all is the supreme conduct of all types of conduct. Jain philosophy says that a
person is said to be with good conduct who observes equanimity towards all. Where
friendship towards all living beings (mitti me sarva bhuteṣu) is the basis of Ahiṁsā there the feeling of equanimity towards all living beings
is the basis of equality. Ahiṁsā is the supreme religion
and to be kind to others is to be kind with oneself also.
Doctrine of
human rights is associated with Jain principles of Ahiṁsā, Anekānta (multiplicity of viewpoints), equanimity, non-possession
and Syādvāda (conditional dialectic). It is only Ahiṁsā which includes all aspects of human rights such as personal
liberty of individuals, freedom to live, freedom to be born anywhere, freedom of
self consciousness and realization, freedom from exploitation, freedom from being
inflicted with pain, etc and the doctrine of equality in equanimity of Jains.
Non-possession
is the real panacea to eliminate differences /discrimination. Non-possession and
contentment are the extensions of Ahiṁsā.
Freedom of thoughts is included in the freedom of expression which can be seen in
the doctrines of Anekānta and Syādvāda.
Even though
Ahiṁsā is negation of hiṁsā (violence) yet it is considered as proclamation of right
to live for all living beings, protection to them against exploitation and oppression,
unemployment and provision of freedom. It provides freedom from slavery and bonded
labour. In its affirmative sense, it is the proclamation of happiness, friendship,
compassion towards all. It teaches welfare and co-operation of mankind towards each
other which is also the fundamental doctrine of human rights.
Ahiṁsā teaches us not to kill others, not to cause
pain to others, not to cause hardship
to others, not to exploit women and children, to protect them against pain. In short
thoughts of humane-ness and welfare are incorporated in Ahiṁsā only.
According to
Jain philosophy, friendship and compassion towards living beings is Ahiṁsā. Ācārya Amṛit
Candra has described Ahiṁsā in great details. According
to him ‘Not only to kill anyone or to cause pain (through activities of mind, body
and speech) is hiṁsā but even to tell lies,
or to degrade others, to steal others property, excessive lust and possession of material objects and
developing feeling of mine towards them are also includes as hiṁsā. Besides these to develop tendencies of attachment and aversion
in one’s own soul is also hiṁsā[42]
and absence of all these is Ahiṁsā.
To thinks all
others as equal to oneself and to treat them all well are also contained in the
doctrine of Ahiṁsā. Consciousness pervades
all living beings. Hence all
jīvas are equal in terms of their nature and potential. All
jīas are full of intuition,
knowledge, energy, penance and happiness. But they are unequal in terms of expression
of these attributes which is the cause of perceived inequalities amongst living
beings. But dependence is self inflicted the living beings. Their violent tendencies
and self destruction tendencies cause his dependence on others. But with his own
efforts and energy , he can become free and attain bliss.
In reference
to equality, we can say that extension of self is Ahiṁsā and true equanimity. Practicing equanimity towards all living
beings is Ahiṁsā only. Charter of UNO
mentions brotherhood, co-operation and equality. In My prayer (Merī Bhāvanā) we
only wish fro friendship and co-operation.
maitrī bhāva
jagat mein merā sab jīvoṁ se nitya rahe
dīn – dukhī jīvoṁ par mere ur se karuṇā
strota bahe
bair pāpa abhimān choḍ jag, nitya naye maṁgal gāve
sukhī rehein sab jīva jagat ke duṣkar – duṣkṛt ho jāve
This reflection spreads the doctrine of friendship, compassion, co-operation, happiness,
and humanism.
Today the distance
between the rich and the poor, gender biases, discriminations due to castes, colour,
language, religion, community, owner and worker, nationality, provincialism etc
are breeders and acts of encouraging hiṁsā.
Doctrine of Ahiṁsā has solutions for the above discriminations.
Jain philosophy talks of no discrimination based on the birth in different castes,
communities etc. All living beings are known by their acts and not by their birth.
But no discrimination can be made based on the development of the individual’s personality.
Equal opportunity and freedom in the selection of the means of livelihood provided
in the charter prohibits discrimination due to high /low status, or small and big
etc. One who praises himself and degrades others is definitely on his way to hell.
Entire ethics of Jains is based on duties associated with human rights and welfare.
Any one who prays and wishes the welfare of all living beings of the world can attain
the highest position of atīrthaṅkara. Doctrine of
tīrthaṅkars
tendencies teach us that the person
who wishes to serve the entire humanity ultimately becomes the lord of the entire
world.[44]
He serves and with his wishes and willingness to serve and welfare of others, he
becomes the lord and not the slave and worthy of worship by all. Therefore the one
who protects human rights, serves others becomes the lord of the world and not its
slave. In Jainism contemplation of the ways and means to remove the pains of self
and others is called ‘upāya’ mode of spiritual meditation.[45]
Jain religion cites the importance of self effort (śram) as
purūṣārtha
or the realization of the objective.
The word śramaṇa
used for Jains is derived from the
word śram
only. The one who makes the best efforts is called
śramaṇa. In Historical cum stories literature of Jains,
the definition of karmabhūmi and highlighting superiority of
śramaṇa
philosophy and supporting self-efforts
both for enjoyment as well as detachment. Thus self effort is considered essential
for both but even after emphasizing detachment and efforts to develop it, Jains
do not support the concept of laziness and enjoyment without self effort. To receive
gratification without efforts is termed as exploitation while Jains say that for
self gratification, one has to make efforts himself. Thus a man can eliminate his
pains by making efforts himself.
Similarly in another
flaw named
vadh of Ahiṁsā, the practitioner is prohibited from treating cruelly or inhumanly
those who are his protected one or dependants. To cause pain or to punish living
beings is also included in this flaw
[48]. Another flaw of Ahiṁsā called
bandhan, the practitioner is
prohibited from keeping other human beings under bondage or to inflict harsh punishment
without any reason on them. To suppress others also falls under this flaw.
[49]
The freedom to get married
and establish a household falls under the category of ethical postulates of the
householders in Jainism. The first Jain tīrthaṅkara of this time period, Ṛṣabha Deva established the tradition of work culture over the just pleasure
culture prevailing and strengthened the concept of family. He initiated the institution
of marriage. How to lead a family life and be contented with one’s wife can be found
in
svadar santosh vrata
(vow of limited celibacy) of Jains. Further it prohibits excessive sexual activities,
prostitution, having sex with other’s women as well as sex with organs not meant
for it.[50]
Privacy of family, home
and correspondence is enshrined in the vow of speaking the truth which prohibits
divulging other’s secrets under its flaw of
rahasyokhyān. Not to divulge secrets
is called
rahasyokhyān and is a
flaw of the vow of speaking the truth. This should be opposed[51].
Truth encompasses respecting the secrets of others and not to divulge them. This
declaration has been made in the charter of human rights.
Causing hardships or
giving pains to women and children, exploitation of backward classes, untouchablity
all fall under the gambit of Ahiṁsā
vow’s flaw called tāḍan.[52]
To curb thoughts, writings
or expressions of some one is called hiṁsā.
To frighten someone also falls under the gambit of hiṁsā. Jain literature talks of ten life forces of human beings.
Five sense organs i.e. touch taste smell form and hear senses, to think, to speak and activities of mind body
and speech, to breathe and the energy to live are the ten life forces. To cause
loss or curb any of these life forces intentionally is called hiṁsā. Putting impediments to someone’s thoughts, or restraint
someone from
speaking or to limit his movements are all forms of hiṁsā. Indian constitution also places all these freedoms under
the fundamental rights and also covered under the doctrine of human rights. Freedom
of thoughts and their expression, to take out processions, to decide and vote are all results
of the Jain concept of freedom of ten types of life forces under Ahiṁsā. Physical freedom is also the result of the
freedom of life forces. So are the freedom to live and exist, movement throughout
the country.
To arrest forcibly or to enslave someone using force are part of the flaw o Ahiṁsā. Human rights imply absence of these flaws
of Ahiṁsā.
According to Jain doctrine,
property is also one of the life forces of an individual. Hence freedom to acquire
own property is also a result of freedom of the life forces. To forcefully seize
the property is like hurting the life of someone. Hence the individuals have the
right to the property. To make a living one has to indulge in business or related
activities. Under the vow of non-stealing, even though a person can earn livelihood
and acquire property yet doing so in unfair and illegal manner is a flaw of the
vow of non-stealing.[53]
Absence of this flaw is a part of human rights. A person should use the right to
acquire and own property by observing the limits prescribed to do so. Like a rich
person, a dependant worker should also be not exploited and their rights should
be well protected. One should not try to usurp the proper of others as these are
all parts of the flaws of vows of speaking the truth and non-stealing and hence
are part of Ahiṁsā. As a result only the
freedom to own property exists but within limitations. According to
Jain doctrine property
also should be owned within limits.[54]
This is a part of the vow of Anartha danḍa vrata
and it flaw bhogrūpi
anarthatā i.e. wasteful
consumption.[55]
The vow of non-possession
is very effective in maintaining peace and harmony in the society and to curb exploitation
of weaker sections. One should acquire wealth but with legitimate means. A man is
worshipped because of his virtues /qualities and not due to his family, heredity
or community. According to Jains all human beings are equal and individual get recognition
in the society due to their qualities.
Samvibhāga parichheda
flaw of the vow refutes means of livelihood based on endowments by nature/
automatically over endowments due to personal efforts.
Freedom of practicing
religion is also associated with freedom of thoughts. Religious freedom is the result
of Ahiṁsā in thoughts only. Forgiveness, Absence of pride
and deceit, truthfulness, cleanliness etc. Ten Commandments of the Jain religion
are also part of being human. Jain religion believes in the worship of virtues only.
A human being who is
omniscient, completely detached from worldly objects
and delivers sermons which are beneficial to all is termed as God by Jains and he
may be called any names. This is also described in Merī Bhāvanā.
Meri Bhāvanā. or my
prayer of Jains with 11 stanzas is an extremely popular and important piece of poetry
recited by Jains daily. This payer described human rights completely. Given below
is the first stanza of this poem /prayer.
Jisane rāg dveṣ kāmādik jīte, sab jag jān liyā
Sab jivoṁ ko mokshamārga ka, nispṛḥ ho updeśa diyā
Buddha, vīr, jina, hari, har brahmā yā usko svādhīn kaho
Bhaktibhāv se prerit ho, yah citt usī mein līn raho
I dedicate oneself completely
to a holy teacher who has conquered attachments, versions, desires and all sorts
of passions as he is only worthy of being called a teacher and leader of the path.
He is an omniscient and in his knowledge the entire world is reflected.
Jain story literature
is full of stories of kings who provide protection to their subjects as a part of
their religion. Main aim of the king is said to be able to provide protection to
people in meditation and practicing the creed. According to Jain philosophy, time
is divided in two cycles called era of rising happiness (utsarpiṇī) and era of declining happiness (avasarpiṇī). Each era has six segments. The present era
is one of declining happiness. Its first three segments denote the period of enjoyment
only i.e. void of any form of scarcity. All the needs of the human and animal beings
were fulfilled by kalpvṛakshas (Desire fulfilling
trees). However as time progressed the power of these trees kept on declining and
the facilities
of enjoyment kept on decreasing till in the end people started feeling pains of
dissatisfaction or unfilled desires. As a result a form of government with Manu
as a kulkar came into being. In the beginning of the fourth time segment, first
Tīrathaṅkar
Ṛṣabha Deva established the work culture. According
to Jain story literature, the primary duties of the king were to provide freedom
to his subjects for their rights, welfare and equality/ justice in the eyes of the
law. People were free to practice the religion of their choice, adequate facilities for their education
and welfare existed, the state did not forcefully arrest anyone and the culprit
was put behind the bars only after proved guilty. Even then he was not ill or inhumanly
treated. Individuals and communities earned their livelihood under the protection
of the state. Jain doctrine provides use of
virodhi hiṁsā by individuals to fight against their suppression. A person
who was expelled from one state could be provided shelter in another state. Similarly
a state used to provide protection to another state when asked for.
Twelve contemplations/
reflections (Bārah Bhāvanā)
Rājā raṇā chatrapati, hāthin ke avasār
Marnā sabko ik din, apni – apni bār
Dal bal devī devatā, māt – pita parivār
Marti biriyāṁ jīva ko, koū na rākhanhāra
dām binā nirdhan dukhī
tṛṣṇāvaś dhanvān
kabhuṁ na such saṁsār mein, sab jag dekhyo chān
āp akelā avatare, mare akelā hoya
yo kabhuṁ is jīva ko, sāthi sagā
na koya
Jajaṁ deh apnī nahiṁ, tahāṁ na apnā koy
Ghar saṁpati par pragat ye, par
hain parijan loya
Dipai cām- cādar maḍhī, hāḍ pījṁrā deh
Bhītar yā sam jagat mein, aur nahiṅ
ghin geh
Moh nīṁd ke jor, jagavāsī ghumeṁ sadā
Karma cor cṁhu or, sarvas lūtai sudha
nahiṁ
Satgurū dey jagāy, moh nīṅd jab upśamaiṁ
Tab kachu banhiṁ upāya, karma cor āvat
rūkaiṁ
jñān – dipa – tapa-
tel bhar, ghar śaurdh bhram chor
yā vidhi bin nikasaiṁ nahiṁ,
baiṭhe pūrab cor
pañca mahāvrata sṁcaraṇ, samiti pañca parkār
prabal pañca iṅdriya vijaya, dhār
nirjarā
sār
caudaha rāju utaṁga nabha, loka purūṣ sṁṭhān
tāmeṁ jīva anādi taiṁ, bharmat haiṁ bin jñān
dhan
durlabh hai saṁsāra mein, ek jathārath
jñān
jāṁce sur – tarū dey sukh, cintat cintā raina
bin jāṁce bin cintaye, dharm sakal
sukh daina
These twelve contemplations
are very important in Jain religion. We can say that these are the essence to divert
a person from the worldly life to a life of detachment and religious practices.
If we contemplate on these twelve contemplations daily, then not only our spiritual
purification activities get strengthened but we shall also be able to resolve social,
personal and physical problems. Whereas these contemplations strengthen our journey
to liberation on the one hand, they on the other hand give us strength to happily
bear the results (pains, sorrows etc.) of inauspicious events in our worldly life.
They remove our infatuation with the objects and activities of enjoyment /lust and
materialism. They eliminate the fear of death and refute the use of force and social
ills such as bad behaviour, exploitation, rape, violence etc. They further encourage
a person engaged in activities of spiritual welfare to go further and make progress
in becoming more spiritual and attain higher levels of spiritual purification. They
make the doctrine of meditation more fertile.
These twelve contemplations,
which are of welfare nature for all, point towards equality amongst all living beings,
all communities, all castes, all religions etc. Welfare of all is called Sarvodaya.
All living beings should get opportunities for realizing their full potential is
Sarvodaya. No one an make progress but wishing the ill of others.
Today we have created
hurdles between individuals. These hurdles are self inflicted by us. Discrimination
due to colour of the skin, caste, creed, community, family, province, country etc
are today the real causes of all sorts of tensions pervading the world. Every person
sees with doubt every other person of different caste, colour, creed, country and
province etc. Contemplating on these twelve reflections eliminate these hurdles
/barriers of discrimination and reduce tensions thereof. Hence it is clear that
human rights as discussed today had been a part of Indian culture and specially
of Jain religion since several millennia. The first and foremost duty of every one
according to Jain religion is welfare of the soul as said below;
Kalā bahattar purūṣa kī, jāṁeṁ doya sardār
Ek jīva kī jīvikā, dūjā ātmoddhār
Welfare of the self
/soul is only human welfare and human rights only point towards human welfare. Rights
of each human beings are natural, eternal with incidentally get bonded with him/her
at the time of birth. Duties are also associated with human rights so that the freedom
and rights of other human beings are not jeopardized.
It becomes the responsibility
of a welfare state to ensure that it is answerable to everyone concerning their
rights. Good governance is that realization which ensures effective implementation
of human rights.
The above description
about Ahiṁsā is abundantly available
in Prākṛit, Hindi and Sanskṛt literature and even in literature of other languages.
These have been described in different scriptures. Besides, a number of preceptors
and scholars
have written easy, crisp and detailed commentaries on Ahiṁsā. It is worthy of being practiced and followed. Qualities
of the soul are existent in all living beings. They need to be invoked. All persons
know everything but they are not able to implement their knowledge which is due to lack of spiritual
teachers. As chairman of Human rights Commission first in Himāchal Pradeś and now
in Rājasthān, I saw that most of the people do not work with a sense of duty and
dedication. There can be many reasons for this situation. But this is also a hard
fact that if the officers of different government departments work with full responsibility
in the existing circumstances accompanied by citizens behaving with others in a
manner they want to be treated themselves, then the human rights will not be suppressed.
Along with this we can rejuvenate our ancient and worthy to be followed Indian culture
for the welfare of all. Hence his is my humble effort and contribution to compile
the doctrine of Ahiṁsā in various
religions of India.
It is also a truth that every Indian with his constructive thinking, self knowledge
and efforts should understand the doctrine of Ahiṁsā and practice the same in their daily life along with the
knowledge of their rights and duties.
All religions have adopted
Ahiṁsā in one form or the other.
Ahiṁsā is a thing not just
for discussions and writing in the books but for practice in our daily life. Ahiṁsā is an important pillar of Indian culture. Ahiṁsā is a search for truth and a universal law. It is essential for
a better society to ensure that rights of its members are protected. Every citizen
should be enthused for the unity, integration of
Today December 10th
i.e. International Human Rights Day, I pray that truth and good which is not only
mine but of everyone prevails resulting in the welfare of all. Every one should
achieve peace, harmony, happiness, healthy and disease free life so that the country
can become prosperous and its citizens lead a happy and healthy life.
Dated 10th December 2006
