Shivani Bothra
In keeping with the discussion of Tulsi's code of modified vows, I will conclude the present section by quoting a scholar of Jainism and the professor of Ecology, Michael Tobias, whose views on self-restraint echoed Tulsi's movement: "We humans are equipped with a conscience; we can make intelligent and sensitive choices. [...]. Amid the tumultuous sea of nature, we are like an island of choice. [...] We can self-destruct or carry on. But we will not live on as a species if we fail to co-exist harmoniously with all other creatures sharing this island."108
Tobias's quotation is in accordance with Tulsi's dominant theme of ahimsa, and the personalized practice of the small vows. As clearly manifested, each of the above-described 11 vows emphasize on making wise choices for personal spiritual growth and for world sustainability. The eternal nature of vows and the rudimentary of ethics suggest the relevance of Tulsi's movement though, these vows are tenuous in keeping pace with the critical juncture of socio-economical and environmental state. The following chapter presents a survey analysis of the practices of these vows through the data obtained from a small sample group of conveniently selected 200 people from various backgrounds.
