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FOURTH CHAPTER : SIX LIFE FORMS
SOM DO 2 SOV
INTRODUCTION The fourth chapter gives the prohibitions included in the ascetic code. The basis of this code of conduct is ahimsa. Only a person who has the knowledge of living and non-living things can observe ahimsa. Therefore, in this sixth chapter life forms have been described in detail in order to impart knowledge about living things. These six forms are-earth, water, fire, air, plant and mobile forms. With these details are included methods of avoiding harm to these. All this combined is known as samyam (discipline) or charitra (the conduct of the disciplined). This code of conduct i propagated as panch-mahavrat-dharma or the religion of five great vows. For the proper following of this code of conduct, the most important thing is yatana or caution.
The process of how to save oneself from the bondage of karma by being cautious in one's behavior has been explained. As liberation is the ultimate goal of all endeavor, it has been described at the end of this chapter. Acharya Bhadrabahu has said–The essence of the code of ascetic conduct is avoiding harm to the six life forms through caution in behavior, and that comes through the knowledge of living and non-living things. (Dashavaikalik Niryukti 4/1216)
This chapter can be divided into five parts, 1. The knowledge of living and non-living things (Sutra 1 to 9) 2. The method of following the codes (Sutra 10 to 17) 3. The cautions (Sutra 18 to 23) 4. Preaching about the process of bondage and freedom (verses 1
to 11) 5. The path of liberation (verses 12 to 25)
The popular name of this chapter is Shadjeevanika. It is also known as Dharma-prajnapti, or elaboration of dharma. According to Bhadrabahu Swami, thi chapter has been reproduced from Atmapravad, the seventh Purva.
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श्री दशवैकालिक सूत्र : Shri Dashavaikalik Sutra
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