Jain Heritage and Beyond

SR No.: 006519
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 174
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Spiritual
File Size: 37 MB

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5. SADHUS AND SADHVIS When householders become detached from the worldly aspects of life and get the desire for spiritual uplift (and not worldly uplift), they give up their worldly lives and become sadhus (monk) or sadhvis (nun). A male person is called sadhu, and a female person is called sadhvi. Before becoming sadhus or sadhvis, a lay person must observe sadhus orto understand their life style and do religious studies. When they feel confident that they will be able to live the life of a monk or a nun, then they inform the Acharya that they are ready to become sadhu or sadhvi. If the Acharya is convinced that they are ready and are capable of following the vows of sadhu or sadhvi, then he gives them Deeksha. Deeksha is initiation ceremony when a householders changes to a monk or a nun. At the time of Deeksha, the sadhu or sadhvi voluntarily accepts to obey following five major vows for the rest of his/her life: Commitment of Total Ahimsa (non-violence)-not to commit any type of violence. Commitment of Total Satya (truth)-not to indulge in any type of lie or falsehood. Commitment of Total Asteya (non-stealing)-not to take anything unless it is given. Commitment of Total Brahmacharya (celibacy)-not to indulge in any sensual, activities Commitment of Total Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)-not to acquire more than what is needed to maintain day to day life. Some other things they observe are: They do not accept the food cooked specially for them; They do not eat before sunrise or after sunset; They drink boiled water; They walk bare footed and do not sit in a car, train, airplane or any other vehicle; They do not stay in one place for a longer time; They do not touch any person of the opposite sex even the children of opposite sex; They do not get involved in social or society affairs; Some monks wear no clothes while others wear white clothes, All nuns wear white clothes; They offer spiritual guidance to us. Self-discipline and purity is the part of their daily life. That is why Jain monks and nuns are unique. Their activities are directed towards the uplift of their souls to Paramatman (the state of liberation).
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