(235) Frontiers of Peace, Jainism

Jainism and Animal Welfare

  • Overview of Jain animal shelter in Ahmedabad

    • Run by Jains, followers of Jainism.

    • Adheres to principles of non-violence (ahimsa).

    • Animals rescued from slaughterhouses or provided by farmers at the end of their lives.

    • Animals allowed to die naturally, regardless of suffering.

Jainism's Influence on Non-Violence

  • Mahatma Gandhi's Relationship with Jainism

    • Lived in Ahmedabad for 12 years, greatly influenced by Jain teachings.

    • Controversy arose over Gandhi's concept of mercy killing, conflicting with Jain beliefs regarding suffering and karma.

  • Ideal of Jain Monks and Nuns

    • Monks and nuns embody non-violence and serve as role models for Jains.

    • Many cover mouths to avoid killing insects accidentally.

    • Highly respected within the community, guiding followers on the path to moksha (liberation).

Community Structure and Beliefs

  • Jain Community Organization

    • Symbolized by the swastika: representing monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.

    • Strong community bond helps Jains maintain identity amidst a predominantly Hindu environment.

  • Role of Business in Jain Society

    • Successful in various industries due to adherence to non-violence in occupational choices.

    • Less than 1% of India's population (five million Jains) yet possess substantial influence in business and philanthropy.

Rituals and Daily Life of Monks and Nuns

  • Monk and Nun Practices

    • Must beg for food three times daily, seen as a duty by householders to provide alms.

    • Strict rules include walking barefoot and avoiding contact with the opposite sex.

    • Commitment to vegetarianism and minimal consumption to avoid harm to microorganisms.

  • Temporary Residences in Temples

    • Monks and nuns stay at temples for a short time, except during the rainy season.

Jain Philosophy on Karma and Liberation

  • Understanding Karma

    • All actions have consequences that influence current and future lives.

    • Emphasis on moral non-violence to liberate the soul from karmic ties.

  • Achieving Moksha

    • Liberation through a life of purification and non-violence; applicable to all living beings.

Conflicts with Gandhi's Approach

  • Gandhi's Mercy Killing Incident

    • Allowed the killing of a calf, justifying it as a non-violent act, which contradicted Jain beliefs.

    • Jain perspective emphasizes acceptance of natural suffering as part of a karmic cycle.

Animal Shelters in Jain Tradition

  • Long-standing Jain Tradition of Caring for Animals

    • Animal shelters (pandro poles) operated across India, increased due to drought and famine.

    • Animals cared for with compassion; veterinary care provided regularly.

Modern Jain Industrialist Perspective

  • Challenges of Balancing Business and Jain Principles

    • Industrialists like Trainee Cloud Pi face dilemmas regarding non-violence in their industries.

    • Struggle with the consequences of business practices that inadvertently cause harm, showing a conflict with Jain teachings.

  • Personal Journey of Acceptance

    • Realization of the difficulty of practicing Jainism while being a business person, leading to considerations of retirement.

Conclusion

  • Jains and the Future of Non-Violence

    • Monks remain uncompromising in their non-violence practices, while laypeople navigate compromises.

    • The community's teachings and examples of compassion continue to resonate and influence wider society.