The Sacred Duty of Every Man : 5.

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There is a high duty involved in this. We know that the fundamental tenet of Jainism is Ahimsa. But Jainism is only an off-shoot of Hinduism, of the Sanatana Dharma. It is Sanatana Dharma which says: Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah. Sri Vyasa has given us this supreme dictum: Paropakarartham Idam Sariram. We are trying to fulfil in a small measure these two admonitions of our ancient faith-by refraining from cruelty to animals and by using our bodies in bringing about the welfare of these creatures.

We know that the Hindu genius has sought to make the life of man upon earth a process of progressive evolution towards a high and sublime ideal, the ideal of all-round perfection. To this end, they have kept the order of Sannyasa as the glorious consummation of man’s social life here. Sannyasa is the manifestation of all the highest, sublimest, noblest, qualities in man, in their most perfect form possible to man upon earth. A Sannyasin takes the vow of "Abhaya to all creatures". He takes the vow of working for the welfare of all beings. Therefore, when we take up this work of completely giving up cruelty to animals and the positive work of working for their welfare, we are but fulfilling this prime purpose of the Hindu religion.

In addition to this, we are carrying out the great dictum of Manu: that of cultivating Maitri, Karuna, Mudita and Upeksha towards equals, inferiors, superiors and evildoers respectively. If you want real happiness and peace, this is the wonderful method they have given. Thus, Karuna towards these unfortunate dumb creatures is but fulfilment of this dictum.

Then we also fulfil the sublime admonition of Krishna in the Gita--Adveshta Sarvabhutanam Maitrah Karuna Eva Cha. . . Sa Santim Adhigachhati—"He has no hostility towards anyone. He loves all. He is full of the qualities of friendship and compassion. He attains Peace." Animals are our helpers and we ought to be their helpers. They are grateful: feed an animal and see how it is grateful to you till the end of its life. We should also be grateful to animals.

What about animals which are troublesome to us? We have to be indifferent towards them; but under no circumstances will we be justified in harming them. By harming them, we debase ourselves.

Sri Swami Chidananda

To be continued  ..

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