War is a living reality today and can come knocking on our door very soon. In fact, in Britain, the MI5 have warned of imminent attacks in a variety of forms from terrorism to large scale disruption of civic life.
For those living in war zones, life is simply hell, with the children traumatised for life by the disruption, if they survive that is. If this is what we call modern humanity, then we have failed as a species not only to protect animals and nature, but humans too, and violence is so deep in our behaviour, that we cannot comprehend a peaceful life. While at present the war may be out there, we can do something about our inner wars. They too are real and growing.
The good news is that as Dharmic believers, we are already doing something – many things in fact. Just look at the Navratri festival, and its music, colour, dancing and shared community-building which is so invigorating. Then we have Diwali around the corner – another grand festival, where the most basic of human needs, food, is first offered to the Gods, before it is eaten. Sharing and caring is so deep in our nature, that it has become instinctive, and gives us peace in the here and now. Hundreds and thousands of volunteers are needed to put these events together, so far away from our homeland of India, but yet we manage to do it and repeat it every year. This is peace and brotherhood in action, not words.
People volunteer and give in so many different ways. Professor Kanti Mardia is a pioneering scholar who is meticulous in his research, and has just published a profound book on the science of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), which draws from the Jain faith and philosophy. He is an intellectual volunteer, helping transform the wisdom of the world. Already, Professor Mardia has written many pioneering books on the Jain philosophy, a subject largely unknown in the West, and often ignored as a result. The latest book focuses on Kashayas, human vices, which prevent us from truly growing in peace and attaining sustainable liberation, not the temporary freedoms of fun and partying, which are so often celebrated as the goals of life. It is called ‘Destructive Emotions – Jain Perspectives’ by Kanti Mardia, published by MLBD press.
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The four vices he focuses on are anger (krodha), pride (maana), deceit (maya) and greed (lobha). These vices inhibit our discipline and freedom and prevent us from attaining liberation. As a Professor of Business and Finance, I find little reference to vices anywhere in our textbooks or teachings, and on the contrary, greed is encouraged, and pride is celebrated. While deceit may not be celebrated, the science of business is crafted in such an objective and therefore impersonal way, that so far as profit is concerned, the ends justify the means. Deceit such as exploitation of workers, or tax avoidance, or not honouring one’s words, are often normalised, and cost minimisation is celebrated. When it comes to giving and charity, business often wants a return on investment, in the form of name, advertisement or ego (maana) boosting. I often find it humiliating to approach businesses for community donations.
Such research and analysis are vital in transforming modern society, not just within a culture or community, but universally too. If real happiness, inner peace and freedom come from restraining our vices, then we need to learn this and use the knowledge to transform our conduct and behaviour. For a sustainable society and future, such wisdom can help in removing the violence humans cause to animals and nature, and other humans too.
Professor Atul K. Shah [@atulkshah] teaches and writes about Indian wisdom on business, culture and community at various UK universities and is a renowned international author, speaker and broadcaster.
*Info: ‘Destructive Emotions – Jain Perspectives’ by Kanti Mardia available here
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