Ahimsa and Prakriti: Scholars Explore Non-Violence and Nature
Scholars explore the deep connection between non-violence, nature, and human conduct at a special IHC-ICPR Study Circle lecture in New Delhi.
In an era defined by environmental crisis and resource depletion, a profound discussion on the intersection of non-violence and the natural world took center stage at the India Habitat Centre. The IHC–ICPR Study Circle hosted a specialized lecture titled “Ahiṃsā and Prakṛti” on Tuesday evening, bringing together distinguished academics and scholars to dissect how ancient philosophical principles can address modern ecological challenges.
Presented by the Bharat Bodh Kendra, Habitat Library & Research Centre, the session provided a platform for exploring how the concept of non-violence extends far beyond human interactions to encompass our entire relationship with the planet.
Jain Thought and Modern Environmentalism
The programme was chaired by Prof. (Dr.) K. G. Suresh, Director of the India Habitat Centre. In his opening address, Prof. Suresh highlighted the urgent relevance of Jain philosophy when tackling contemporary questions regarding habitat, the environment, and the survival of our natural world.
Adding a practical dimension to the philosophical discourse, Chief Guest Atul Jain, Vice Chairman of the Deendayal Research Institute, linked these ancient ideas to modern consumption patterns. He drew a sharp distinction between the responsible use of resources and pure exploitation, advocating for a lifestyle rooted in:
- Restraint: Limiting consumption to essential needs.
- Recycling: Ensuring the longevity of materials.
- Regeneration: Actively participating in the renewal of nature.
Jain noted that traditional communities, particularly in regions like Uttarakhand, have long maintained a sacred reverence for nature, integrating environmental protection into their daily resource management.
The Deep Philosophy of Non-Violence
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Veersagar Jain from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University delved into the core meanings of ahiṃsā (non-violence) and prakṛti (nature). He argued that ahiṃsā is not simply the absence of physical harm, but a comprehensive way of relating to all existence.
According to Prof. Jain, the Jain tradition mandates that non-violence must extend to:
- Animals and birds
- Insects and microscopic life
- Plants and the broader natural ecosystem
He further explored the various forms of hiṃsā (violence) and explained how practicing ahiṃsā is essential for managing internal human conflicts, such as anger and attachment.
Equality and Ethical Consequences
The discussion was further enriched by Prof. Bindu Puri from the Centre for Philosophy at Jawaharlal Nehru University. She focused on the Jain concept of samta (equality), examining the rigorous philosophical framework that defines the relationship between humans and the non-human world.
Prof. Puri emphasized the ethical weight of the Jain doctrine of karma, noting that causing harm to any form of life carries profound consequences. Her reflections underscored the idea that human ethics are inextricably linked to how we treat the most vulnerable elements of our environment.