Non-violence is the need of present world: Jain spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni

WASHINGTON: At a time when humanity is facing the problems of war, violence and terrorism, non-violence is the need of the hour, an Indian spiritual leader has said.

Jain spiritual leader Acharya Lokesh Muni said this in his address at the inaugural session Parliament of World's Religions in Salt Lake City in the US state of Utah.

"Ahimsa or non-violence is the need of present world when humanity is facing the problems of war, violence and terrorism," he said.

"As preached by Bhagwan Mahavir we have to practice nonviolence in our everyday life. We all respect our own philosophies and believes but we should give equal importance and respect to what others believe in," Muni said.

Representatives from about 80 countries are participating in the Parliament of World's Religions, organised from October 15-19 in Utah's capital.

He also held a discussion with Parliament of World Religions' chairperson Malik Mujahid on establishing peace, non-violence and harmony in the world, a media release said.