Some Reflections of Jain Ahimsa thought on the Current COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The teaching of Non-violence (अहिंसा, Ahimsa) refers to not harming all sentient beings. It is the core idea of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the other religions originated in India. Especially in Jainism, the teaching and practicing on “Ahimsa” were heavily emphasized. In modern times, Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and non-cooperative thoughts were deeply influenced by the creed of Jainism, which served as a banner to win the national independence and liberation of India from the British. The Nonviolence thinking possesses respect for one's own life, all life forms as well as restraining and balancing on three levels of one’s physical body, speech, and mindset. In order to achieve “harmlessness” in behavior, speech, and thinking. When the COVID-19 Pandemic was raging around the world since early 2020, and countries from all over the world are facing a massive crisis, the teaching of non-violence (अहिंसा, Ahimsa) in Jainism thus becoming very precious. Under the circumstances of the overwhelming consumerism addition to the deterioration of human morality. In consequence, the natural environment is seriously damaged at the global scale. Today, what will we learn from the teachings of Jain Thirthankaras, such as Mahavira, the ancient Indian philosopher and founder of Jainism? The question is becoming quite reflective.