PRACTICE

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AHIMSA is neither dogmatic nor sectarian. Its foundation is not blind faith but experiences of various living aspects of life. In this world there is no religion so alive, beautiful and kind as AHIMSA.

The first Jain principle relates not only to action but to thoughts and deeds. It is when we comprehensively practice this that nonviolence becomes a positive force in our lives and leads to compassion. If we seek a transformed conciousness, we need to expunge violence and suffuse ourselves with compassion and kindness. The quest for God is a quest for a transformed consciousness. And as the Indian poet Kabir says, "But when deep inside you there is a loaded gun, how can you have God?".

Secondly, Jains stress ANEKANTAVADA: RELATIVITY IN THINKING. This springs from the realization that there is not one truth. Truth has manifold aspects. This realization makes for abjuring of dogmatism and induces humility and tolerance. None of us can claim to be the chosen ones, and we need to respect and listen to others. This is a self-critical principle that is built-in into the system. When we look at other ways of looking at truth, we can see our point of view in perspective.

The third principle stressed is APARIGRAHA, or non-acquisitiveness. This principle emphasizes limiting of possessions and avoiding attachments of a worldly kind. It may seem like an impractical principle - an other-worldy way of looking at things. Yet in a world where our environment and our health are affected by waste and by over-consumption, this principle is pragmatic and important.

Jains believe it is all about tapping our creative potential and of realizing and monitoring the creative force within us. It is not an austere turning back on life. Its message is all about the transforming of ourselves -- and with that the world around us through amity, appreciation, compassion, nonviolence, equilibrium, and concord. It is all about transformation of our lives, about ways to make our living significant and meaningful.

There are numerous books on the topic of Ahimsa or Ahinsa