AHIMSA
THE SCIENCE OF PEACE

(As Developed by Jain Thinkers)

by
SURENDRA BOTHRA

Foreword 
by
D.R. MEHTA 

PRAKRIT BHARATI  ACADEMY, JAIPUR

Publisher’s Note

Since the publication of the first edition of this book, almost two decades ago, a lot has changed in the world around us. Some call it progress and development and some others call it regression and decay. Both may be true from their respective perspectives but there is no denying the fact that violence, complexities, ailments, stress, disparity and discontent have increased in spite of advancements in many fields including technology, communication, health sciences and commerce.

It is not that there has been lack of efforts in trying to solve the problems. Well-minded people have been continually seeking solutions to each and every problem. But unfortunately the approach appears to be faulty. We seek solutions with preconditions and without compromising our availed comforts and conveniences. When seeking solution to the problem of increasing pollution caused by auto-fuel we mostly work towards finding less polluting fuels rather than trying to limit the need to commute as well.

Lasting solutions to prevailing problems can only be found by striking at the root of the problem from all venues. We will have to endeavour to change the mindset of people. Ahimsa way of life provides such solutions. It is heartening that more and more people have started thinking and discussing on these lines. Last year there was a sudden spurt in the demand of this book from many quarters. We were encouraged to know that the acceptability of ahimsa is on the rise.

We take pleasure in presenting this second edition to our readers. We are thankful to the author for adding one relevant chapter about the scope of ahimsa in modern times. We are sure our readers will like this revised and enlarged edition. We earnestly hope that it may inspire a larger number of people towards a widespread application of the anti-toxin of ahimsa as a preventive measure for the spreading toxicity of violence in every walk of life.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

(from first edition)

Prakrit Bharti Academy, a non-governmental, voluntary broad based academic body, is devoted to the conservation and projection of Indian cultural heritage. It has already published more than 40 books dealing with different aspects of Indian culture. The present book on Ahimsa is an attempt to expound Ahimsa comprehensively for modern man so that, in this age of violence, intolerance, and excessive possession, an alternative could be understood and appreciated.

Shri Surendra Bothara, the author, has combined his scholarship with practical approach. We are grateful to him for this effort and the book. Since the author wanted one of the writers of the Publisher’s Note to write the Foreword also, this was done in deference to his wishes.
We are grateful to Shri Jitendra Sanghi of Ajanta Printers, Jaipur for printing this book.

TO

ILA,
PRITHVI,
MAHI, BHOO, DHARTI,
 EARTH, GLOBE, TERRA, OUR PLANET
 WHICH, TO ALL WHO UNDERSTAND,
DEMONSTRATES MOODS IN CLIMATES,
 SENTIMENTS IN OCEANS, EMOTIONS IN WAVES, TEMPER IN VOLCANOES, TOLERANCE IN ROCKS, AGONY IN GORGES, ECSTASY IN BLOOMS,
HUMILITY IN SAND, PRIDE IN MOUNTAINS,
CRUELTY IN DESERT, COMPASSION IN RIVERS, BONDAGE IN CYCLES AND
FREEDOM
IN
EVOLUTION.

THE DECLARATION

I so pronounce that all the omniscients of all times state, speak, propagate, and elaborate that nothing which breathes, which exists, which lives, and which has any essence or potential of life, should be destroyed or ruled over, or subjugated, or harmed, or denied of its essence or potential.

This truth, propagated by self-knowing omniscients, after understanding all there is in the universe, is pure, undefileable, and eternal. In support of this truth I ask you a question, “Is sorrow or pain desirable to you?”

If you say, ‘Yes, it is,’ it would be a lie, as it is against the evident reality. If you say, ‘No, it is not,’ you will be telling the truth. What I want to add to the truth expressed by you is that as sorrow or pain is not desirable to you, so it is to all which breath, exist, live, or have any essence of life. To you and all it is undesirable, and painful, and repugnant.

        That which you consider worth destroying is (like) yourself.
        That which you consider worth disciplining is (like) yourself.
        That which you consider worth harming is (like) yourself.
        That which you consider worth subjugating is (like) yourself.
        That which you consider worth killing is (like) yourself.
        The result of actions by you has to be borne by you, so do not destroy anything.

- Acharanga Sutra