by Duli Chandra Jain
May we follow in the footsteps of JINs, the victors,
those who have conquered their passions
of anger, pride, intrigue and greed.
May we follow the ideal of VEETARAAG,
of being free from attachment (RAAG) and aversion (DWESH).
May we minimize our passions, and practice the virtues of
nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, purity of body and mind,
and non-possessiveness; and promote fairness and equity among
all.
May we eliminate delusion, misconceptions and blind faith,
adopt a rational outlook by accepting ideas and concepts
based on our study, observation, experience and common sense.
May we understand the universal truth that
everything happens according to the laws of nature;
in the affairs of the universe, there is no hand of
the supreme being or supernatural phenomena;
our lives are shaped by our own thoughts and actions,
and by the animate and inanimate environment around us.
Further, the function of all living beings is to assist each
other;
we all depend on each other and on our environment for our
survival.
Therefore, may we minimize violence of various kinds,
and fulfill our duties toward each other and toward nature.
May we restrain our desires and limit our needs, and protect
the environment by avoiding the waste of natural resources.
We believe in multiplicity of viewpoints.
So may we look at things from others' viewpoints as well
and be tolerant of other religions, ideologies and customs.
We believe that no overall good of mankind can result from
violence.
Nonviolence, selfless purpose and contentment lead to happiness.
May we inculcate these virtues in our lives.