Nonviolence As a Way of Life

This book is intended for those who are struggling to understand and confront the epidemic of violence in our world but are not familiar with nonviolent alternatives. Among those alternatives is the tradition of ahimsa, which has been advocated and practised by the Jains for the last twenty-five centuries. Inspired by the Jains, this collection of essays speaks with many voices personal reflections, scholarly studies, and religious insights ñ to provide examples, guidance, and encouragement to those trying to cope with the violence that has become so prevalent. The essays should speak to a broad audience, but most especially to young people (late teens to early twenties), who are surrounded by violence practically from their birth and in virtually all aspects of their life: home, school, community, work, and media. The book will help them see: 1. What is involved in a nonviolent approach to the world, and how to apply it in various aspects of their daily lives. 2. That there are many of us out there ñ of different genders, races, professions, social classes, and religious affiliations, on every continent ñ who take nonviolence very seriously and try to live in accordance with its principles and values. 3. That there are many groups, institutions, and organisations that practice nonviolence and who can offer guidance, counsel, and help. The central aims of this book are to let those dealing with or surrounded by violence know that there is another way and to encourage them to try to live in accordance with that way ñ the way of nonviolence.