________________
Mahavira & Code of Conduct / 163
11. Charity
Charity is the most important virtue of every laity. Charity is said to be of four kinds: that of food, that of medicines, that of scriptural teachings and that of assurance of protection to all living beings. According to the code of conduct of house-holders, this four-fold charity is declared worthy of performance. Charity of giving protection to living beings in fear of death is known as abhaydana. Abhaydana is supreme. A selfless donor (alms-giver) is rare. A detached monk, who practices faultless begging is also rare. Both the selfless and the detached acquire a noble birth. A house-holder who eats after giving alms to monks enjoys the best material comforts. He who gives alms will also gradually obtain the bliss of emancipation. This is the preaching of Jina.
OO
