Jaina Ethics

SR No.: 001334
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 314
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

Page 134

The Conduct of a Householder
117
(4) asatyāsatya-wholly false. Amongst Digambaras, Asadhara also follows Somadeva's classification.1
Conception of truth:
In speech one should aim at moderation rather than exaggeration, esteem rather than denigration, at distinction rather than vulgarity of expression.2 Even truth if it is harmful to others should be avoided. Language should be balanced and expressive of the sacred truths.4
All untruth necessarily involves violence for it is caused by negligence, which is the back-bone of violence. It is, therefore, unthoughtful speech, anger, greed, fear and cutting of jokes which should be avoided to protect the vow of
truthfulness.
Transgressions of the vow of truthfulness
The five aticāras of the vow of truthfulness according to Upāsakadasanga are as follows :
(1) Sudden calumniating (sahasābhyākhyāna)
(2) Disclosing others' secrets (raho' bhyākhyāna)
(3) Divulging the confidence of one's wife (svadāramantra
bheda).
(4) False advice (Mṛsopadeśa)
6
(5) Writing false statements (kūṭalekhakarana).
The Digambara tradition has the following aticāras :
(1) False preaching (mithyopadeśadāna)
(2) Divulging one's secret (raho'bhyākhyāna)
(3) Forgery (Kuṭalekhakriya)
(4) Breach of trust (nyāsāpahāra)
(5) Disclosing one's secret purpose (sākāramantrabheda)."
1.
Sāgāradharmamṛta, 4.40-43
2. Handiqui, K. K., Yasastilaka and Indian Culture, p. 266.
3. सत्यं विमोक्तव्यं परपीडारम्भतापभयजनकम् ।
-Amitagatisravakācāra, 6.47.
4. Kartikeyanuprekṣā, 234-4.
5. Puruṣārthasiddhyupāya, 99.
6. Upasakadaśānga, 1.46.
7. Puruşarthasiddhyupaya, 184. Also Sägäradharmamṛta, 4-45. Amitagatisrāvakācāra, 7.4.