An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide: Ahimsa In Crisis - A Call For Action

Ahimsa is the mool (root) mantra and foundation of Jainism. We can also say that ahimsa and Jainism are two names for the same thing; they are inseparable. In previous chapters, I have shared with you readers how this very foundation has begun becoming cracked, and thus the stability and survival of the whole building is endangered.

Some may not believe it, but even at this late stage, ahimsa is truly in crisis. Practice by its followers is slowly slipping away and based on individuals’ personal wishes, desires, and conveniences, daily compromises are made. If this trend continues (and my feeling is that it may even accelerate), Jain philosophy will be found only in scriptures and books, and the Jain community will no longer will be identified as followers and practitioners of ahimsa—we will have lost the recognition and reputation which we Jains have enjoyed for many thousands of years. I consider decline of the practice of ahimsa to be like a growing cancer.

Before we try to cure the patient, we have to first diagnose the causes and only then administer the proper medicines and treatments. So what happened, and why we have come to this precarious place?

In my opinion there are many causes for this malaise, which we explore in this chapter.