Acharya Tulsi
 | Chapter 7 | The Relevance Of The Jaina Religion To Modern Problems |
hagavan Mahavira did not ever acquiesce in the usurpation of the freedom of man. Usurpation of freedom amounts to violence. Violence in its turn creates problems and misery.
Mahavira propounded the principle of self-discipline in order to free mankind from this misery.
He said,
"One should discipline oneself. Self-discipline is undoubtedly most difficult. One who has disciplined his own self will certainly he happy here and hereafter.
It is better if one controls oneself through self-restraint and penance. It is not good for one to be governed by others under the threat of imprisonment and death."
Mahavira never conceived non-violence as separate from freedom and freedom from self-restraint and penance.
