Ahimsa Is the Core Spirit of Humanity: Muni Praman Sagar Ji Maharaj

 

Muni Praman Sagar Ji Mahraj

Deepak Mishra, Jharkhand Spirit : During the Shanka Samadhan program organized at Gunayatan, Muni Praman Sagar Ji Maharaj delivered an inspiring discourse on the universal values of Ahimsa (non-violence), compassion, and coexistence. Referring to Lord Mahavir’s timeless message, “Parasparopagraho Jivanam” — meaning all living beings are interconnected and exist to support one another — he explained that this principle is not merely a philosophical thought but the very foundation of life.

Muni Shri said that when a person truly embraces this feeling in daily life, ego, violence, and selfishness naturally begin to disappear. According to him, the spirit of Ahimsa develops through sensitivity, and sensitivity awakens when we begin to see every living being as equal to ourselves.

He emphasized that if the suffering of another living being does not awaken compassion within us, it indicates that our inner sensitivity is still incomplete. True religion, he said, is not limited to temples and rituals; rather, it is reflected through kindness, compassion, and protection toward all living beings.

Highlighting the importance of value-based upbringing, Muni Shri stated that children should be taught compassion, mercy, and coexistence from an early age. He stressed that human life is meant not for destruction, but for protection. “If we cannot give life to someone, we have no right to take life away,” he remarked.

Calling for greater awareness toward nature and all forms of life, he said that just as humans are concerned about protecting fellow human beings, they should also become sensitive toward protecting animals, birds, forests, and the environment. Protecting nature and living beings is itself a true form of spiritual practice.

Muni Shri further explained that Ahimsa is not merely an idea but a sacred way of life capable of bringing peace, love, and harmony to the world. He reminded the audience that every creature in the world desires to live, just like humans do. The only difference, he noted, is that humans can express pain through words, while mute creatures cannot. “They may be speechless, but they are not lifeless,” he said, adding that animals too possess emotions, feelings, and the ability to experience pain.

The information was shared by Avinash Jain Vidyavani, National Spokesperson, who stated that Muni Shri also described Indian culture as one rooted in the ideals of “Live and Let Live.” He linked this philosophy with the ancient concepts of Atmopamya and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which teach that all living beings are connected through mutual care and protection.

Speaking further, Muni Shri criticized the idea that “big fish swallow small fish,” saying that while such behavior may symbolize animal instinct, human civilization cannot be built on violence and cruelty. A truly civilized society, he said, is recognized by compassion, coexistence, and kindness—not by exploitation and destruction.

He concluded by saying that while many religions advocate non-violence mainly at the human level, Jainism extends the message of Ahimsa even to the smallest forms of life. This unique perspective of Jain philosophy, he said, holds great relevance and inspiration for humanity across the world.