ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

SR No.: 007713
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 292
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 7 MB

Page 149

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय परम तप
M STUDIES
iii. Acaurya or non-stealing: It entails accepting things without the permission of their owner. The practitioner should avoid picking up goods not given by their owner and employing others to obtain them; receiving stolen goods; using false weights and measures; adulterating goods and accepting goods without paying or underpaying taxes and price.
iv. Aparigraha of limiting possession: It entails limiting greed/possessiveness from existing possessions and acquiring more beyond limits set. The practitioner should avoid excessive display of possessions; hoarding for profiteering; sorrow for loss in transactions; greed (not selling for making more profit); overloading productive resources for making more profit.
Brahmacarya or contentment with religiously married spouse: The practitioner should be content with his/her married spouse for sexual gratification. The practitioner should not listen provocative stories and music nor looking/observing the beautiful body parts of women; obsessed with sexual experiences or decorating his/her body to attract attention of opposite gender.
Similarly the enhancing vows increase the potency of the practitioner of these minor vows and the training vows prepare the practitioner for higher attainments to form the basis for organization ethical, transparent and respected by its employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers and the society, including the government.
Western history also tells us the conditions in a society that are indicative of decay and fall of the Roman Empire. Many have commented as to the reasons for the decline including the most thorough analysis undertaken by Edward Gibbon in the 18th century. 27. There seems to be general agreement that the causes were internal, within, as opposed to being overcome by a superior external force. One of the main reasons cited is the gradual loss of civic virtue, the virtue of the leaders causing the leaders became corrupted by the excessive power they held and acted to preserve and enhance their own selfish ends at the expense of the people. As a result a great disparity between the rich and the poor was created. The excess wealth for a small minority led inevitably to extravagant displays of wealth and outward show fuelling further desires for
more.
Thus practicing Ahimsa, Anekanta and Aparigraha is essential and will lead to enhanced peace harmony and sustained development as these principles aim for overall or holistic growth rather than one or few elements/measures of development.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0