Jainism the Creed for All Times

SR No.: 006564
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 420
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 86

the ten types of vitality of any living being either intentionally or unintentionally'. This, of course, is the ideal situation or absolute non-violence. In practice, however, it may not be possible to practise such absolute non-violence. We, therefore, have to draw a distinction between absolute non-violence (Niścaya Ahimsa) and practical non-violence (Vyavahāra Ahimsā). Practically, we ought not to cause hurt, injury or impairment to any vitality of any creature by any of our intentional and deliberate action or through negligence. As long as we are alive in the mundane existence, we constantly interact with our environment, which comprises both the gross as well as fine animate beings and inanimate objects. This interaction constantly results in violent hurt, injury or impairment of one or the other vitality of mostly fine and invisible creatures but at times those of the gross and visible ones as well. The first type of violence is, generally, unavoidable and cannot be helped and will be caused in spite of our acting with utmost vigilance and will always be unintentional. We, possibly, cannot live without it. However, the violence of the second type to gross and visible creatures is generally caused either through intentional and deliberate action or through negligence. Both are sinful and avoidable. Out of these two, again, the intentional and deliberate violence is the most deplorable, abhorrent and disgusting and in the interest of peace, harmony and greater good of all, it is to be avoided at all cost. The violence caused by negligent or reckless action (Pramattācaraṇa) is though not that abhorrent, can be avoided by vigilance (Apramāda) and ought to be so avoided by all those who are right-minded and wish to promote good life for themselves as well as the others. This can only be achieved by
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"Kahani care kaham citthe, kahamase kaham sae/ Kaham bhuñjanto bhāsanto, pāva-kammam ņa bandhai? ||”
58: JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
Daśavaikālika, 4.7.