Care for the environment flows from Jain philosophy

At a time when scientists warn us, ‘The earth is critically ill,’ the Jain insight on interdependence can show the way to heal the planet and safeguard our own survival.

Jain ontology states that the soul can be found not only in humans but in gusts of wind, sparks of fire, flowing waters, plants, microbes, and in rocks and stones, and soil, as well as in insects, reptiles, birds, marine life, and mammals.

Lord Mahavira, the last of 24 Jain Tirthankaras , proclaimed over 2500 years ago a profound truth for all times to come when he said, “One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water, and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them”.

The ancient Jain aphorism “Parasparopa graho Jivanam (interdependence)” means that all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence. This is refreshingly contemporary in its premise and perspective. It defines the scope of modern ecology while extending it further to a more spacious home. It means that all aspects of nature belong together and are bound in a physical as well as metaphysical relationship. All living things are connected in nature, dependent on each other for continued survival. Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation, and assistance in a universe teeming with interdependent constituents.  

For each of us, life includes birth, reproduction, and death – with each group of living organisms having its own unique life cycle. Some living things have a short life span. While other species have life cycles lasting hundreds of years. In order to survive and grow, all organisms need to adapt to their habitat, have their basic needs met, and overcome many obstacles. If environmental changes occur more quickly than some organisms can adjust, such as sudden changes in climate, the survival and reproduction of certain living things may be impacted. These days the survival of the planet, and, in fact, of the entire human race and non-humans, depends on the planet we live on.

There is much discussion about greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, shortage of water, the warming up of the environment, pollution, and ecology. As a result, a new movement called environmentalism is gaining ground. In the 21st century, there are no small manmade happenings or disasters; all are big and far-reaching, and their consequences are most often global. When such things happen, geographical boundaries disappear, and we all become part of it. It is a fact that due to pollution many Indian and Chinese cities are choking. There are days when one does not see the sun and the rate of lung diseases and cancers is on the rise. Citizens are paying a very high price.

In the words of the celebrated scientist James Lovelock, ‘The earth is critically ill.’ “Most of the species vitally important for our survival have disappeared. Mountains are denuded. Rivers are drying up. Forests have shrunk at a terrible level. Drinking water has become a scarce commodity. Frequent famines, droughts, floods, and tsunamis in all parts of the world are adding to our misery every day. Climate change seems to threaten our survival into the third millennium. In less than 200 years all natural resources have depleted and very little is left for the coming generation. It is a manmade disaster that owes its origin to our unrestrained activities and wantonness”.

Jain progenitor Lord Mahavir said, “One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them”.  The austere lifestyle of Jain monks and nuns is a model example of environmentalism.

We Jains rightly believe that several thousand years ago, we talked, preached, practiced, and developed the whole concept of environmentalism. Yet, I find little actual environmentalism in the Jain community barring several pockets. For example, the lifestyle of our monks and nuns and of some shravaks and shravikas (laymen and women) is a model example of environmentalism. But, in general, I am not aware of Jain leaders trying to inspire the community and draw their attention to this crucial issue. Environmentalism has a direct connection with ahimsa (nonviolence). If we pollute, we create suffering and most probably the death and extinction of many species. Beyond that, we endanger our own survival.

Doing well by doing good

I’d like to share the story of a Jain industrialist who strived to leave his footprints in reducing pollution. I am sure there are many such examples within the Jain community worth documenting.    

About 20 years ago, I went to Agra in India. The city is home to the famous world heritage monument: the Taj Mahal. There I met the owner of a large factory – a Jain. His factory produced steel parts for India’s booming automotive industry. The process involves melting steel in large furnaces heated by high-sulfur coal emitting yellow, dirty, and poisonous gases. This caused acid rain. There were 300 such medium to small-scale factories in the vicinity wreaking the same havoc.

Both the dirty gases and acid rain not only affected the quality of water, health and   safety of factory workers, but also seriously started affecting the marble façade of Taj Mahal. In those days one could easily see a yellow or pale colored sheen or film on the generally shining white marble of the monument to love. After many studies, the Government of India decided to close all those dirty smoke-emitting factories. Many complied but not Mr. Jain. He started looking for safer alternatives.

After some research, Mr Jain discovered that there was a gas pipeline about 15 miles away. He installed a gas supply line to his plant and used this gas to generate electricity which in turn heated his steel melting furnaces. This was a significant investment but it succeeded in cutting the pollution and acid rain-causing elements. The net result was that not only his product scrap decreased, but also productivity and quality significantly improved. On-time delivery was much better and customers and the government were all pleased.  He got more orders and recouped all his capital investment within a year. This was a win-win for all. His was the only factory that survived, made more profit, and left positive footprints on the environment.

This is what I call ‘doing well by doing good’.   

I sincerely hope that Jains will equate pollution of the environment with acts of serious himsa and realize that all species, from one- to five-sensed, including human beings, have a strong desire to live and we must respect this in our thoughts and actions, as Lord Mahavir said.