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The Three Jewels 55
desire of every true Jain to welcome death in this manner by discarding the body as one throws away old clothes. The latest example well known is that of Saint Vinoba Bhave who gave up the body in this manner.
87. Prohibition on eating after sunset-This chapter cannot be closed without a mention of prohibition on eating after sunset which though not found in the original vows, has been given importance equal to other vows, to be known as Refrainment from eating after sunset (Ratri Bhojan Virman Vrata). Advantages of eating during day light hours only are so obvious, even for physical wellbeing, that even today numberless people, Jains or otherwise, adhere to this practice.
88. To the seekers, whom Right Conduct may appear too elaborate, complicated, impracticable or difficult Lord Mahaveera has given the famous answer mentioned in the Dashve Kalik Sutra. Since the whole universe is full of life and living beings, a question was raised how one should walk, sit, stand or lie down and how one should eat and talk so that one may avoid getting involved in violence and consequent karma. The answer is contained in just one word that one should eat and sleep and stand with Jayna which means vigilance, circumspection, prudence and care all taken together. Thus if one were to act with Jayna even one may get involved in violence one shall not acquire karma bondage.
89. Thus we conclude this discussion on Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct. All the three together form the Jain code of conduct. The relationship between the three jewels is one of complementariness. They are incomplete and ineffective individually as a means of salvation but form the three parts of one whole. It has rightly been remarked that without vision, knowledge and conduct are sterile, without knowledge, vision and conduct are blind and without conduct, vision and knowledge are lame.
90. On the other hand the three are inseparable. Steadfast Right Vision results in Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, similarly true illumination of Right Knowledge brings Right Vision
Jain Education International
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| SR No. | 001640 |
| Book Title | First Steps to Jainism Part 1 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari |
| Publisher | Sancheti Trust Jodhpur |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Total Pages | 300 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Religion, & Education |
| File Size | 10 MB |