Practicing Ahimsa: A synthesis of Jainism and Gandhi's principles

• Main Author: Mariano, Ronaldo David B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2007
• Subjects: Ahimsa; Jainism > Doctrines; Knowledge; Theory of (Jainism); Jaina philosophy; Philosophy
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2156
• Institution: De La Salle University

The thesis of this paper is to point out that the concept of ahimsa should be practiced. To answer this problem, a synthesis will be done between the teachings of Mohandas K. Gandhi and his idea of satyagraha which is more focused on the field of politics and the religion of Jainism and their basic doctrines with relations to their practices. These two fields of thought revolve around the idea of ahimsa that is why it would be easier to use them for the study. In Gandhi's thought, he used nonviolence as a means for a better ends. This concept is seen in satyagraha. The method of nonviolence shows its usefulness even though its practitioner is the only one suffering, all the positive effects such as empathy and minimized bloodshed is attained. Jain religion however sees nonviolence as their duty. This starts with their main goal - to attain deliverance. To attain this, the doctrine of the three jewels known as right faith, conduct and knowledge must be absorbed into oneself. The theory of ahimsa could be found in the category of right conduct together with compassion and meditation. Ahimsa becomes a duty because it plays a big role on our main duty of self-mastery which will be discussed in the paper. Jainism also argues that ahimsa is the highest religious duty by just looking at this argument shows their emphasis on its importance. Even though ahimsa is a major idea that revolves around Jainism and practice of it would have positive repercussions, Jains argue that it would still be important - this is what the jewel of right knowledge represents to further emphasize its ethical importance.