A Jaina Mantra

Summary

“A Jaina Mantra” by Leona Smith Kremser is a poetic invocation that condenses the ethical core of Jainism. The poem repeatedly extols non‑injury (ahimsa) as the highest religion, noting that “non‑injury to all living beings is the highest religion” in different contexts—whether in soul, thought, word or deed. Each stanza uses the refrain to remind readers that harmlessness is a universal duty that applies equally to oneself and to all creatures. The poem is structured as a mantra or chant that trains the mind toward compassion: it acknowledges that enlightenment involves recognising the soul and extending love to all living things. Because the highest religion is non‑injury, the poem suggests that spiritual practice is not limited to ritual but is rooted in everyday conduct and interpersonal ethics. It invokes the Jina (a liberated soul in Jainism) as a guiding presence and closes with the peace invocation “Om Shanti Om,” inviting quiet contemplation. The repetition of “non‑injury” in various forms emphasises that the message transcends time and place, reflecting Jainism’s ancient commitment to non‑violence. Throughout the poem, there is no narrative but a meditative rhythm that aligns the reader’s consciousness with the principle of ahimsa. It encourages introspection about the consequences of one’s thoughts and actions, aligning them with compassion and restraint. Kremser’s choice of language is simple but resonant, allowing the mantra‑like quality to emerge clearly. By framing non‑injury as the “highest religion,” the poem implicitly critiques forms of religiosity that prioritise dogma or ritual over ethical behaviour, making it relevant to both practitioners and non‑Jains. The piece not only summarises core Jain values but also invites readers to embody them in daily life, embodying the universal appeal of ahimsa.