Compendium of Jainism

SR No.: 001202
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar
Publication Year: 1980
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 17 MB

Page 217

JAINA ETHICS
205
however refrain causing unnecessary harm to ekendriya and sthāvara jivas, but it is ordained that a monk should desist from causing himsä to any form of life.
As a practical religion, Jainism has considered what is normally possible for an average person. Himsā is of two kinds : samkalpi (intentional) and ārambhi (occupational). Hunting, offering animal sacrifice, killing for food or sport are instances of intentional hiṁsā. Abstinence from them is possible with no harm to anybody. Arambhi hiṁsā is biṁsā committed by a house-holder in the ordinary course of his living. It is of three kinds : 1) Udyami, 2) Grahārambhi and 3) Virodhi. 1) Udyami: A house-holder has to follow some occupation or the other in order maintain himself and his family. Jainism regards six occupations as permissible : i) asi or sword. It is open to a person to become a soldier or some other officer who has to use a sword or weapon in the discharge of his duties; ii) masi or ink. One can follow the occupation of a writer or work in any office or business where writing is required to be done; iii) kęsi or agriculture. A person can engage himself in agricultural or horticultural operations by cultivation of lands; iv) vāņijya or trade. A house-holder can follow such trade as does not involve intentional himsā. He cannot follow the trade of a butcher, wine-merchant etc. v) silpa or sculpture. He can follow any industry for production of consumer goods. vi) vidvā. He can follow the learned professions like literature, teaching, art etc. It is not possible to avoid hiṁsā involved in carrying out the obligations of these occupations (udyami).
So far as the 2) grahārambhi himsã is concerned some kind of himsā is involved in carrying out the domestic duties and obligations. Hiṁsā is involved in constructing a house, in the preparation of food, use of water in bathing, washing etc.. keeping of cattle, maintenance of gardens and growing or using vegetables, digging of wells, cutting of crops and fruits. In short, whatever hiṁsā is involved in the discharge of obligations necessary as a house-holder is permissible as otherwise normal life becomes impossible.