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Higher Categories of Householders and Ascetics :
To be of a balanced vision is only a beginning to proceed towards the goal of Equanimity. Then Mahavira constituted the Code of rigorous performances. For the completion of equanimous conduct after equanimous vision two categories were formulated.
The first category belongs to a layman's life (Shravakatva). Twelve minor vows have been prescribed for a layman (Shravaka), out of which first five are called Moolgunas (primary attributes) and the rest seven are called Uttargunas (Supplementary attributes). For the protection of Moolagunas the Uttaragunas have been prescribed. The primary five vows are : abstinence from causing injury (hurt), truth, non-stealing,celibacy, and non-possessiveness. The protective (supplementary) vows are limitation of direction, limited use of the article of a single or multiple use, refraining from purposeless inflictions, performance of 'Samayak'(observance of equanimous conducts),further res. triction of directions and articles of use, performance of 'Poshad' (meditation with fast for a day), and distribution of food etc. to the Saints (ascetics).
The non-violence of Shrawak (householder) regulates his life in keeping away him from hurting innocent beings. The rules framed as 'Atichara' or excess violence denote this by tightly tying the animals out of anger, injuring them causelessly, loading them more heavily than their capacity and providing them food and water discriminately. The 'Aticharas' mentioned about non-stealing are said as accepting a stolen thing from a thief, helping a thief in stealing, doing actions against law and state, dishonesty in measuring
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