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Jaina Ethics and Miscellaneous Customs and Manners
householders have to practise the former and the ascetics the latter. Similar is the case with other observances. Moderation is the key-note of householders' life and severity of saintly discipline. The important hallmark of Jaina ethics is the fact that a graduated course is prescribed with a view to make it possible for every person to observe all rules of conduct by tolerably easy gradations. Further it is not enjoined upon a person to observe all rules of conduct pertaining to a particular stage in life. It has been specifically mentioned that the three-fold path of liberation, consisting of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct, is to be constantly followed according to one's capacity. It is always stressed that the severity of rules of conduct is to be adjusted after taking into account one's own status and capacity. It matters little whether the rules. are followed fully or partially and what is more important is the fact that one should not deviate from the path of liberation.83 This means that a person can take all the vows or can make a selection of some of them. The aspect of practicability of Jaina ethics. can be best explained by showing the way of observing the basic rule of conduct, namely, Ahimsā.84
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Ahimsa is abstention from Himsa. The renunciation of Himsa may be either complete or partial. The complete renunciation (known as Autsargiki Nivṛtti) is accomplished in nine ways, by self, through agent, or by approbation, and in each case through mind, body or speech. That which is not complete, is partial renunciation (known as Apavadiki Nivṛtti).85 For a householder it is not possible to practise complete renunciation, and therefore he is recommended to discharge his worldly responsibilities with the minimum injury to others. For giving more practical guidance in this matter Himsa has been analysed, according to the mental attitude of the individual, into four kinds, namely, Gṛharambhi or accidental, Udyami or occupational, Virodhi or protective, and Samkalpi or intentional. Gṛharambhi Himsa is that which is unavoidably committed in the performance of necessary domestic duties, such as preparation of food, keeping the things clean, construction of buildings, wells, etc. Himsa performed in the exercise of one's profession whether of a soldier, or an agriculturist, or a trader, or an industrialist is Udyami Himsa. Virodhi Himsa is that which is unavoidably committed in the defence of person
| SR No. | 007019 |
| Book Title | Jaina Community a Social Survey |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Vilas Sangve |
| Publisher | Popular Book Depot Bombay |
| Publication Year | 1980 |
| Total Pages | 484 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 12 MB |