Exploring the Depth of Non-Violence and Non-Stealing in Jainism
Across the world, numerous religions share a common thread of principles promoting humanity, compassion, and the non-harming of others. These universal values beckon for ethical conduct and moral integrity. However, a closer examination reveals that not all religions consistently adhere to their core tenets. This is particularly highlighted in the tensions between doctrines that ostensibly espouse peace and those that permit actions contradictory to these principles, such as permitting the slaughter of non-followers or animals for sacrifices.
Non-Violence: Going Beyond the Surface
Various religions emphasize the importance of non-violence, or ahimsa, focusing primarily on the prohibition of harm to one's fellow human beings. This broader perspective resonates with the protective instincts inherent in human nature. Yet, Jainism takes this concept to an unparalleled depth, extending the principle of non-violence to encompass not just human beings but all forms of life, including microorganisms. This radical interpretation posits that even the act of stepping on a single microorganism is considered a violent deed. As per Jain beliefs, this constant engagement in violence, whether through our actions or thoughts, stems from our forgetting the true nature of the soul and our attachment to materialistic pursuits.
True Nature of the Soul: Knowing and Not Begetting
Jainism teaches that the inherent nature of the soul is to know and experience pure knowledge, forming the cornerstone of its spiritual philosophy. However, the soul is often clouded by material attachments and physical manifestations. This attachment, rooted in the materialistic life, serves as a cover for the true essence of the soul. Every attachment to physical entities, such as the body, family, house, or material possessions, is seen as a form of violence because it is a persistent act of diminishing one's pure form of existence. In this context, even the mere act of reading this document while physically engaged with the world can be perceived as a form of violence against the soul.
Non-Stealing: Beyond Material Possessions
While all religions preach against the act of stealing, Jainism presents a profoundly intimate viewpoint, pushing the boundaries of this ethical commandment. Jainism goes beyond the typical interpretation to insist that even the act of taking a grain of sand without permission constitutes stealing. This belief transcends the conventional understanding of theft as the taking of material possessions or resources without consent. According to Jain philosophy, the soul is fundamentally pure and owns nothing except infinite and eternal knowledge.
Jainism teaches that all possessions and attributes acquired in this life, including the human body, family members, houses, and financial wealth, result from one's karma. However, these things do not belong to the soul. The soul merely experiences temporary manifestations in these forms due to accumulated karma. The core belief is that the human soul is not defined by the body or its possessions but rather by an eternal and unchanging essence. Therefore, every attachment to these material forms is seen as a continuous act of theft, in the sense of claiming something as one's own authority, which it inherently does not. By indulging in physical pleasures and attaching one's identity to material entities, one perpetuates the illusion that these forces are one's own, thus committing the act of stealing from the eternal nature of the soul.
Embracing the Eternal Soul
By deeply understanding the teachings of Jainism, one can begin to heal the rift between one's soul and material world. Recognizing the transient nature of the physical world and the eternal essence of the soul is key. Individuals are encouraged to detach from material attachments and indulge only as long as necessary for a balanced existence. The soul is not an In the cycle of rebirth, the body changes like clothes worn by individuals. Understanding this cycle and the true nature of the soul can help one to detach from attachments, thus reducing the acts of violence that arise from materialistic attachments and the illusion of self-identity rooted in material possessions. The ultimate goal is to restore the pure and unaltered understanding of the soul, thereby aligning actions and thoughts with its true essence, the knowledge of which is the only natural state.
Understanding and practicing these profound teachings of Jainism can lead to a more harmonious life, free from the delusions of materialism and the violence it causes. By embracing the eternal soul and its inherent knowledge, one can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for all living beings, further reinforcing the universal principles of non-violence and non-stealing.
Keywords: Jainism, Non-Violence, Non-Stealing, Soul, Karma