Broken links
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Looking back at old posts I discovered that some of the links to information no longer work. This made me consider the broken links that occur in life. Sometimes, they break because someone has died. The deceased live on in memory – in many people’s memories – and perhaps that is the only immortality most of us will achieve.
At other times, links break because circumstances change – a house move, a new job, a diminishing interest in a hobby or group. Other broken links occur in jewellery and fences.
Below is the November 2009 post that brought about these random thoughts.
The Jains
As I have tripped over Gus or trodden on his paws or tail I have begun to slow my pace, adopting a sort of shuffling gait around the house. This is essential when small, fast moving animals are in the vicinity. I was shambling from cupboard to work top yesterday when I flippantly remarked that I should join the Poor Jains.
I have always referred to them as Poor Jains – maybe I was mixing them up with the Franciscan order of Poor Clares.
The Jains have always impressed me with their respect for all forms of life. I understood that they walked slowly and carefully in order not to harm any living creature, however small or insignificant. I thought they would not scratch an itch for fear of destroying life. Beyond that I knew very little so I researched . . .
Traditionally Jains are vegetarian and the strictest adherents will not eat root vegetables because pulling the root from the earth kills the plant and they believe that all living things have a soul.
Jains believe in reincarnation, aspiring to a release from the cycle of birth and death into a perpetual state of bliss for the soul. This is achieved by ridding the soul of all karma – in effect denying or resisting influences which affect purity of thought, word and deed.
Jainism is a living, thriving religion with followers in many countries though the greater majority are to be seen in India. Information about Jains in the UK can be found here.
"Pulling the root from the earth kills the plant" but they were okay with harvesting which in may cases also kills the plant? Perhaps they only ate things that could be picked from plants the keep reproducing such as fruits trees and vegetables like peas, beans and all forms of squash etc.
ReplyDeleteGus was a cutie.
I think you're right, River - picking the fruit doesn't kill the tree.
DeleteGus was a baby all his life, such a sweet-natured boy.
If a religion can be good, the Jains sound as if they might qualify.
ReplyDeleteRespect for life seems a pretty good rule to live by.
DeletePretty little Gus. I had a colleague who is Jain (it is even part of his name). At the medical centre I used to used in London, there was a separate practice of Jain doctors that shared the same reception area.
ReplyDeleteJain medicine must be very strict and difficult to practise. Fascinating.
DeleteI had a Jain colleague, a Kenyan Asian, in the team I managed in Aberdeen. We were all very sorry when she left as she loved cooking and was always inviting us round for by far the best Indian food on offer in this northern city!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
That is so interesting. My only mental image of Jains is of people walking slowly along, eyes cast down to avoid stepping on something alive.
DeleteAn interesting way of looking at the world.
ReplyDeleteI would think it is very difficult to be an observant Jain.
DeleteI always found links, but on my old posts from 2007 there are a lot of photos missing, companies who closed down or suddenly want money, I had that with Photobucket, Flickr, and another I forgot the name. Fortunately it's not too important and the photos I have saved on a disk.
ReplyDeleteSome relatives write that the person has died, other Blogs are hanging in the Blog heaven ! It's strange some blog friends who died I am really affected although I knew them only by writing, but sometimes better that my "life" friends. Rosie gets more and more used to her new home. She sits on her cat tree and looks outside, nearly all employees are allowed to pet et she gets visitors ! (not me) This morning one of her mice was in my slipper which is a good sign.
Thank goodness it's only a toy mouse in your slipper:-)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I had heard of Jainism, I didn't know that much about it, so your post was yet again very educational. The "Poor Jaines" made me smile, and I immediately made the link (!) to the "Poor Clares"! xxx
ReplyDeleteGreat minds and all that . . . ;-)) x x x
ReplyDeleteAn intriguing perspective on the various aspects of the world.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome to read my most recent post.