Among the religions of the world we find that Jainism
is the only religion which has accorded utmost importance to the Doctrine
of Ahimsa both from the theoretical and practical points of view. The
principle of Ahimsa not only forms the basis of Jaina Philosophy but also
serves as foundation on which the entire ethical code has been built. This
code of conduct, prescribed by Jainism for its lay followers and ascetics,
has been designed so as to translate the tenet of Ahimsa into actual
behavior to a maximum extent possible. In view of this unique position
assigned to the observance of Ahimsa in daily life, the Jaina Religion has
become synonymous with Ahimsa Religion and the Jaina Culture is termed as
Ahimsa Culture. That is why for comprehending the nature and significance
of Jainism, it is necessary to have a proper understanding of Ahimsa as
envisaged by Jainism. With a view to satisfying this important need, the
present Monograph "The Jaina Path of Ahimsa'' has been written. This
Monograph discusses in detail the various aspects of Ahimsa like the vow
of Ahimsa, the observance of Ahimsa the comprehensiveness of Ahimsa, the
carefulness in Ahimsa, the practicability of Ahimsa, the positivity of
Ahimsa, and the social significance of Ahimsa It is therefore hoped that
this Monograph will help in having correct understanding of the unique
position of the doctrine of Ahimsa in Jainism and will also encourage
further studies in the subject.
I am really very happy to see that Padmasri,
Mahila-ratna, Balbrahmcharini, Pandita Sumatibai Shah, the Founder
Architect of the Educational Complex of "Shravika-Sanstha Nagar" and the
Founder-President of Bhagawan Mahavir Research Center decided to start a
significant project of a new Series of Monographs on Jainology and to
publish the present Monograph, viz., "The Jaina Path of Ahimsa" in this
series as its first Monograph under the auspices of Bhagawan Mahavir
Research Center with which I have been very intimately associated from its
very inception in 1984 in the Shravika Sanstha Nagar, Solapur. I am,
therefore, extremely grateful to respected Pandita Sumatibai Shah for this
fine gesture on her part. I am also thankful to Pandita Vidyulata Shah and
other members of the Board of Trustees of Shravika Sanstha Nagar Trust for
giving encouragement to me in this publication and also in my other
academic and research activities.
My thanks are also due to my friend and active social
worker Shri. Suresh Shipurkar, the Proprietor of Bharati Mudranalaya,
Kolhapur for completing the work of typesetting and printing this
Monograph in record time and that too in such a nice manner.
I must also mention my sincere thanks to the Librarians
of Rajaram College Library, Kolhapur and Anekant Shodhpitha Library,
Bahubali for their valuable and timely help of books.
Vilas Adinath Sangave
`Abhinandan'
6, Rajarampuri
Kolhapur - 416 008
Republic Day
26th Jan. 1991
