Jainism - The Everpresent Origin Of Peace

There Is No Path To Peace - Peace Is The Path.
[Mahatma Gandhi]

Only few people are aware that they have already got into touch with Jainism by reading these lines. The life of Mahatma Gandhi was formed by Jainism since earliest childhood. Ahimsa - non violence - is the highest principle in Jainism. The principle of Ahimsa runs through the Jain tradition like a golden threat.

Jainism has developed and cultivated a tradition of peaceableness for the individual and the community from time immemorial. This turned out to be a successful strategy of survival even in times of foreign rule. In the first century A.D. two main directions emanated, the Digamber and the Svetamber Jains. The reform movement of Terapanth Svetamber Jain started from the reform movement of Stanakvasi at the time of European Enlightenment.

The reform was concentrated on review and restructuring of the doctrine; new perspectives were developed. Therewith the transition was implemented from mystic to mental outlook, Westerners would put it. In opposition to the Western situation spirituality was not excluded but became integrated into the process. Today Jains are interested to bring their ancient knowledge near to modern sciences.

The wisdom transmitted in their Sacred Books helps them to bring about solutions to problems in life and offers strategies against violence in schools and other public institutions.

They antagonise the process of the individual’s separation which is even progressing in India now and are teaching methods of self realisation (Preksha Meditation) to re-establish harmony in body, mind, and soul.

The Jains have great respect for nature and try to live in harmony with. They respect all living beings and focus on cooperation and tolerance. This implies self-limitation and self-restraint based on Ahimsa. We like to follow up various aspects of this concept because we think it highly relevant.