________________
142
A. Then you are sceptical, you doubt the ability of the soul to know ! Consciousness is the final ground.
And, of course, it is by removing the mohaniya karmas that our consciousness comes to be right consciousness and in harmony with the external universe.
THIRD VRATA. Sthula-adattādāna-viramana vrata : dāna means taking ; datta means given ; 'a' means not. Therefore the name of the vow means a resolution to refrain from gross forms of taking what is not given. Theft.
The idea in theft is taking other people's property without the consent of the owner. There is the gross form which is anything taken that is considered valuable, when it is not given by the owner. And there is the mild suhtle kiud (sukshina), when the thing taken is not considered by its owner, or generally, to have a value. If you take a thing of value it is a breach of the vow. The other is not the breach of the vow, but try to avoid it.
Fruits. The result of the observance of this vow is that you are trusted by all people, you are considered a good man; and in that way you prosper ; and it developes strength of character.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org