8th International Conference on Peace and Nonviolent Action (8th ICPNA)

Theme:

Towards a Nonviolent Future:
Seeking Realistic Models for Peaceful Co-existence and Sustainability

organized  by

ANUVRAT GLOBAL  ORGANIZATION (ANUVIBHA), INDIA

in association with

ANUVIBHA JAIPUR KENDRA, JAIPUR

Anuvrat: A Pragmatic Philosophy

Samani Rohini Pragya Ji

The philosophical foundation of Jainism is based on the notion that the soul is immortal, that there is rebirth, and that the soul migrates as per one’s its deeds (karmas), and finally that the soul can attain emancipation from the cycles of existence and suffering. They are so framed that they produce strong conviction in reality.
The present paper attempts to establish the fact that the Anuvrat doctrine as enunciated by H.H. Acharya Tulsi is like breaking the boundaries. It sets Anuvrat on a more realistic platform. This is to say that anuvrat follows an empirical-realistic approach. Anuvrat in fact, truly establishes Jainism as a pragmatic school of thought. This is because, it does not pre-suppose any of the metaphysical assumptions as traditionally accepted in philosophical discourses.

Balodaya Peace Palace: Developing a Nonviolent Lifestyle among Children

Sanchay Jain

Anuvrat Balodya is a program based on child psychology that orients a child towards peace and nonviolence by bringing about behavioral changes in his personality. It does not teach through traditional methods of school education. It endeavors to make use of various child-oriented activities to establish a rapport with the child and provides an environment where he feels at home. Balodaya Programme incorporates the principles of Anuvrat and Jivan Vigyan (Science of Living) and is a creative effort to instill the culture of nonviolence and peace in the heart and mind of a child.

Acharya Tulsi, the founder of Anuvrat Movement, believed that the making of a society, a nation and ultimately the world depended on the all-round development of children. He emphasized on character building of new generation. Inspired by Acharya Tulsi, the well-known Gandhian and the initiator of children's cultural movement, Shri Mohan Lal Jain founded Anuvibha in 1982 and started working on the Balodaya project. It was his vision that enabled him to transform a deserted hillock into a children's paradise. Today, it is no less than a lighthouse for the transformation of new generations.

Impact of Anuvrat on Society

Samani Satya Pragya

Multi–dimensionality is the magnificence of the world. Lord Mahavir explained nonviolent and peaceful lifestyle in two terms- Mahavrat and Anuvrat. Acharya Tulsi enhanced it a little and made it more contemporary. The Anuvrat movement’s impact has no boundary. It brought revolutionary changes in every corner and dimension of the society. For instance in religion, in social practices, life-styles, rituals and much more. Anuvrat - a new religious concept - was approachable by every common man who trusts in spirituality and morality. Human dignity in respect of equal right and economic benefits through moral and ethical ways are always respected.

Anuvrat norms give a model of exploitation free society that consists of the following steps:

1. Limited desires and possession.
2. To set aside the centralization of wealth and power.
3. High regard for hard work and self dependence.
4. Hoarding will never be encouraged to earn dignity.
5. Promotion of non-violent principles.

Thus, a society that is free from exploitation will take lead in self-restraint. There will be no place for uncontrollable mindset, the attraction towards hoarding and possessiveness, the centralization of wealth and power, and the dignity of wealth, violence and strength of power. Such a society will foster peace forever.

Anuvrat: A Cradle of Change Towards a Nonviolent Society

Shivani Bothra, Ms.

"Self-restraint is life", this three-worded slogan formed the philosophical ideal behind the Anuvrat Movement. The movement’s advocate, the late Acharya Tulsi, conceived of a set of vows as a practical form of spirituality and one of the plausible solutions towards a nonviolent society. This lecture will examine the first five Anuvrats or ‘small vows,’ which concern several aspects of violence prevalent in any society today. Furthermore, this lecture attempts to establish Anuvrat as synonymous to spirituality. Here, spirituality in the sense as yoga is without Hinduism or meditation is understood without Buddhism. Yoga and meditation are increasingly accepted as beneficial to holistic health, similarly can Anuvrat without Jainism complete this trinity for a healthy society?