Dr. Ashok Bapna
Sadhvi Vishrutvibha
Sadhavi Vishrutvibha, Shramani Nyojika emphasized the importance of Lord Mahavira's teachings of non-violence and non-pollution and how the same is being explained by Acharya Mahapragyaji in the present context. Every man wants peace and searches for ways to achieve happiness. In his pursuit of peace, he tries to accumulate unlimited material comforts, amass wealth and adopts a lifestyle based on 'make, use and throw'. This creates a mental imbalance, disturbance and stress. High degree of use of plastic material can be a good illustration to exemplify such a lifestyle. It creates imbalance by being non-biodegradable and on being burnt releases poisonous emissions. There is an inexhaustible list of such products. A person attuned to a comfortable and material lifestyle becomes fully oblivious of such a lethal possibility. It is here that we need a solid foundation of the principles of non-violence. The greater the drive for material pleasure, the more is the level of violence and vice versa.
Lord Mahavira spoke of three possible kinds of lifestyles:
- Limited desires- Limited possessions, limited violence.
- Unlimited desires- Unlimited possessions, unlimited violence.
- Free from desire- Non-possession and resulting non-violence.
Desires, violence and possession cannot be segregated, they go hand in hand. In order to actualize his desires, man makes rampant and indiscreet innovations, largely oblivious of the consequential disadvantages and problems following his innovation. The gas used in refrigerators depletes the ozone layer, which shields us from the damaging ultra violet rays. An innovation indeed, but harmful in its effects.
A man wants to accumulate, amass, acquire and possess all the possible material comforts despite not being able to achieve them. This dichotomy between unlimited needs and limited resources instigates him to resort to violence. A path of renunciation, and restraint can possibly bring the needed happiness and help in solving such problems.