Daily Violence Counter: Modern Pratikraman for Lifestyle Awareness and Sustainable Coexistence
By Dr. Narendra Bhandari, Ashesha Jigish Parikh
Summary
Applied Jainism, a platform for discussing contemporary issues through Jain philosophy, introduced the Daily Violence Counter (DVC) app in June 2022. Developed by Dr. Narendra Bhandari and designed by Ashesha Jigish Parikh, a Research Scholar at Jain Academy of Scholars, the DVC is a mobile application aimed at raising awareness about lifestyle-related violence. It quantifies personal violence through a daily index, helping users reflect on harmful activities influenced by modern lifestyles, technology, social media, and environmental neglect. The app encourages users to repent, confess, and pledge to avoid such behaviors, integrating this practice into daily Pratikraman (Jain self-reflection). The DVC measures the impact of lifestyles on psychological and physiological well-being, environmental sustainability, spiritual growth, global harmony, and resource preservation. It also provides data on carcinogenic properties, greenhouse gas emissions, and product carbon footprints. By incorporating the DVC into nightly routines, users can gradually adopt more mindful, sustainable habits aligned with Jain principles like Parasparopagraho Jivinam (non-violence and mutual support). The initiative reflects Jainism's relevance in addressing modern challenges, promoting a greener, happier future through conscious living.
Conclusion
The document highlights the development of the Daily Violence Counter (DVC) mobile application, a tool rooted in Jain philosophy to promote sustainable co-existence and modernize spiritual practice. By quantifying personal violence and raising awareness of lifestyle impacts on well-being, the environment, and spiritual growth, the DVC offers a practical approach to integrating Jain principles like *Parasparopagraho Jivinam* into contemporary life. The app encourages users to reflect on harmful behaviors, fostering gradual, effortless lifestyle changes through daily reflection, akin to modern *Pratikraman*. This initiative bridges ancient wisdom with modern technology, addressing psychological, physiological, and environmental challenges while aligning with Jain values of non-violence and resource preservation. The DVC exemplifies how Jain philosophy can guide sustainable living and global harmony in the modern age.