jay jinendra

1

Jay Jinendra

2

EcologyThe Jain Way

3

EcologyThe Jain Way

This is my interpretation of

“ Ecology, The Jain way.”

addressed at Jaina convention 2009,

in Jain Center of southern California. H. Maniar

4

Meaning of Ecology

Ecology is the culture of

inter-relation among all living

organisms and their environment.

It encompasses the entire universe,

all the stars, planets, and

their atmospheres and biospheres.

5

Meaning of Ecology (1)

Ecology is the natural surroundings in which

earth, air, water, and vegetation are in

common ownership passed down from

generation to generation.

6

Meaning of Ecology (2)

Ecology cannot be isolated from life because life is totally

dependent on ecology.

One cannot imagine life in the absence of earth, air,

water or vegetation.

Eco is a Greek word derived from “Oikos” meaning “home” or “place to

live.” .

7

Ecology, the Jain way

Organisms have relationship with one another

is stated in Jain’s tattvarth Sutra.

“All life is bound together by the mutual support and interdependence”.

Parasparopagraho Jivänäm

Jain’s tattvarth Sutra.

8

Ecology, the Jain way (1)

Parasparopagraho Jivänäm

Interdependence (Mutual) support

All living being

Para-us-para

Upgraho

Jivanam

(mobile & immobile)

9

Parasparopagraho Jivänäm (2)

Meaning of Parasparopagraho Jivänäm.

(a) All living beings render service to one another, irrespective of

the degree of their sensory perceptions

(b) All living beings are indebted to the universal society.

(includes micro organism life in earth, water, air, fire & plants, the one sense living being) .

10



(c) Living beings to assist each other with mutual cooperation.

(d) One is to make the world a better, safer and more peaceful place in which to stay, with mutual support and compassion.

11



(e) Since all lives are interconnected one should realize that if we harm one, we harm all living beings.

(f) Observing welfare of all living being & amity towards all co-habitants of the universe.

12

Ahimsa, the ecological harmony

Mahavira started green movement more then 2600 years ago by

spreading the message of Ahimsa.

Ahimsa meaning non-violence, non-harm, loving kindness, compassion, care , ecological harmony and peace towards every living beings,

nature and it’s sacred resources.

13

Ahimsa, the ecological harmony (1)

Mahavira’s message of Ahimsa:

One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, water, fire, air and plants disregards his own existence, which is entwined within him.

Air, water,and land are also living systems, which must be respected.

14



No living beings should be injured, commanded, enslaved, tortured or killed.

( Philosophy of Ahimsa, non-violence)

Everybody has the right to live and they desire to live happily.

Live and let live.

Live and help others live.

15



All moral & ethical rules are applicable to all living beings of the biological realm.

All people should live in peace, sharing equal rights & justice with all living beings ( Practice of 12

Anuvrata).

16



Mahavira's life offers a profound example of one living in Ecological

harmony.

He used resources sparingly, ate just enough to survive, had no dwelling of his own, and

had no possessions whatsoever.

17



Eco-friendly vows (Maha Vrata).

(1a) Ahimsa (non-violence)

Showing respect for life, of all living beings.

Not to injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, torment, torture or kill any creature or living beings.

Ahimsa permo dharma.

18




(1b) Ahimsa (non-violence)

Recognizing the sacredness of fragile

ecosystem & in all living beings.

Ahimsa emphasizes the unity of life.

19


Mahavira’s message of Satya:


(2) Satya (truthfulness)

Practice truth, morality & values.

Maintain responsible stewardship of

the planet earth.

20


Mahavira’s message of Asteya:


(3) Asteya (Non-stealing)

Acknowledge the gifts of Mother earth,

use only that which is needed and

give something back every day .

21


Mahavira’s message of Brahmacharya :


(4) Brahmacharya (Chastity)

Brahmacharya is a virtue of moderation & restraint of the senses.

Smaller family size (practicing Brahmacharya) minimizes the

environmental impact of the world population.

22


Mahavira’s message of Aparigraha:


(5) Aparigraha (Possessiveness)

Commit to taking only what is just barely needed.

Share what you have with others. Help those who are suffering by sharing.

23


Mahavira’s message of Aparigraha:


(5a) Aparigraha (Possessiveness)

Live a life of restraints and limit wants and waste.

Attachment to possessions is form of violence.

24

Global warming.

What is global warming:

Increase in the surface temperature

of the earth is called global warming.

"Recent calculations suggest that the global surface temperature could

increase an average of 0.8-3.5°C by 2100."

25

Global warming (1).


Increased concentration of pollutants, called greenhouse gases

(carbon monoxide, methane,

nitrous oxide, smog etc) allow in-coming solar radiation to pass through the earth’s

atmosphere, but prevent most of the outgoing infrared radiation

(from the surface) from escaping into outer space.

26

Global warming (2).


The greenhouse gases trap the infra-red

radiation and radiate it back

towards the surface creating a

warming influence (global warming).

27

Global warming (3).

What are pollutants ?

Substances in the atmosphere, which cause adverse effects to all living being’s

health and to the environment.

Major pollutants are fossil fuels & nitrogen oxide produced in the emissions

of vehicle exhaust & power plants.

28

Global warming (4).

What causes climate change ?

The greenhouse effect causes the climate

change, causing tropical diseases, droughts, changing rainfall patterns,

heat waves, severe tropical storms and many disasters.

Global warming disasters will affect 375 million every year by 2015.

29

Global warming (5).

What do the jain scripture's say about the future ?

In this 5 th aara, we have 18500 years to go. There will be destructive weather

patterns & unbearable climate worldwide, causing famines and

destruction of fertile land, during this period.

30

Global warming (6).

What do the jain scripture's say about the future ?

In the 6 th aara, there will be unbearable heat during day & cold during night.

People will be living in burrows along the banks of river. Near end of the 6 th aara, dust clouds, violent storms, heavy rains and fire will destroy most living beings.

31

Who owns the planet Earth?

Planet is collection of ecological elements and life forms, hence the occupants are the co-owners of the

planet.

We are joint owners of this planet. We all have responsibility for the

preservation of this ecosystem.

32

Green Pratikraman

At the heart of the Jain moral universe is

the recognition of each & every living being.

During pratikraman we express regret for all

harmful deeds, we may have done to these

beings, so we can make a concerted effort to

do better in the future.

33

Green Pratikraman (1)

This is done by reciting

Sata Lakha Sutra.

This is in many ways andenvironmental ritual in which we examine our actions in a myriad ways, and repent for any harm

done to all manner of embodied souls.

(Sata lakha pruthvikaya, sata lakha apkaya….)

34

Green Shloka

There are many beautiful shlokas (verses) and

mantras in our scriptures.

Ancient sages recited these mantras to

spread the message of non-violence, goodwill,

harmony, brotherhood and to

promote lasting peace in the universe.

35

Green Shloka (1)

Shanti Stotra (a)

“Shri shraman sanghasya sahntirbhavatuShri janapadanam shantirbhavatu

Shri paurjanasya shantirbhavatu

Shri brahmalokasya shantirbhavatu”

“Reciting goodwill wish for welfare & peace of everyone in the universe.”

36

Cry of the mother earthDear Humankind,What have you done to me ? Water is contaminated Forests are dying. Creatures disappearing.

You are dumping trash, electronics & radioactive waste in my belly.Debris in Space circling me. Air is polluted, land is barren.You are having overpopulation.

37

Cry of the mother earth (1)

You are not living within your means.

You are killing me.

38

Ways to go green.Vegetarianism.

Drink tap water, skip bottled (use reusable)

Use re-usable shopping bags.

Carry your own reusable coffee cup.

Take short shower, use low flow shower head.

Wash clothes in cold water.

Line dry laundry.

Shop ethically (Support Local businesses).

39

Ways to go green (1)Use cloth rags, no paper towel.

Make rags from old towel & clothes.

Recycle - paper, cans, glass, plastic, electronics.

Save energy, unplug unused electrical items.

Travel wisely, carpool or use public transit.

Save our natural resources.

Carry your reusable dish, tableware.

Care for your area, protect plants & wildlife.

40

Ways to go green (1a)

RESPECT

RESPECT

41

Ways to go green (2)

Reduce, reuse, redesign, react, regulate, recycle and remind our self, that one day

this earth will not belong to us, and that it must be viable for generations to come, so we must

become good tenants as of today.

Less exploitation of resources, Less pollution and global warming,

More protection of environment.

Amity towards all co-habitants of the universe.

42


Follow Eco-friendly Maha vrata (vows).

Jain philosophy of ecological harmony is synchronous with the principle of Ahimsa.

One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, water, fire, air and plants disregards his own existence,

which is entwined within him.

43


Follow Eco-friendly Maha vrata (vows).

Aparigraha means commit to taking only what is just barely needed. Live a life of restraints and limit wants and waste.

Greed, possession and possessiveness are the primary cause of all violence as well as imbalance in the environment.

44


kaham chare, kaham chitte, kaham aase, kaham saye, kahame bhujanto, bhasito pavkamma na bandhai ?

“How do we live, eat, walk and speak in this universe,throbbing with life without causing

any harm or injury to any living beings ?”

Mahavira's profound answer was with utmost vigilance or jayaNa.

45


JayaNa in each individual action at each step which minimizes the

acquisition of karmon.

Thus, the goal of liberation, code of conduct and ecology are

intertwined in Jain religion.

46

How to get fruits of the tree ?

Uprooting the entire tree ?

cutting the trunk of the tree ?

cutting the branches only ?

plucking ?

Yes, picking up only that have fallen down is the Jaina way

cutting the twigs ?

shukla leshya.

krishna leshya

kapot leshya.

neel leshya.

tejo leshya.

padma leshya.

47

How to get fruits of the tree ?

The true Jain is by definition an environmentalist, who took fallen fruits.

The karmon intake is increased upon creating waste and pollution, since these

regarded as acts of violence.

Let us reduce, reuse, recycle & respect environment, The Jaina way.

48

Quotes

“Modern technology, owes ecology an apology.”

Alan M. Eddison

“There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” Dalai Lama

49

I'm not an environmentalist. I'm an earth warrior. Darryl Cherney.

“Let your life lightly dance on the edges of time, like dew on the top of the leaf.”

Rabindranath Tagor

Quotes (1)

"...a wise man should not act sinfully towards earth, nor cause others to act so, nor allow others to act so...“ Mahavira

50

Websites of interest:

http://365daysoftrash.blogspot.com/

http://www.reusablebags.com/

http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/http://www.sandiegopurplecow.org/

http://www.thegreenguide.com/

51

Souvenir Booklet of 15 th, Biennial Jaina convention 2009

Jain Center of Southern California.

Bibliography

52

Thank you & Michhami Dukaddam

If we have made any mistakes,

Please accept our sincere apologies.

Please let us know, if you have any suggestions to

improve this presentation.

[email protected]

Please share this presentation.

Harshad, Bakula, & Maniar family.

53

Have a great day.The end.

jay jinendra

Documents

living organisms

living beings practice

c living beings

sense living

mahaviras message of

philosophy of ahimsa

mahaviras life

ecological harmonymahavira