________________
An Introduction to Jain Philosophy
from one's mind and helps to establish or reestablish faith. It is no ordinary or blind faith that inspires action by opening a new view of life and the possibility of its perfection.
Right Knowledge
165
Right Knowledge consists of the knowledge about substance, attributes and modes. Right Knowledge as spiritual knowledge enables the individuals to appreciate the nature of the soul in its proper perspective, and this enables him to adopt necessary practical steps leading to mokṣa.
Right Conduct
Proper, correct, appropriate and truly natural conduct of the soul, which is conducive to its salvation, is known as Right Conduct. The Jaina say that there may be Right Knowledge and Right Faith, if these are not accompanied by Right Conduct all are worthless..
Jain Education International
Five great Vows: Anuvrata and Mahāvrata
There are two kinds of vows-small and great. The vows of a lay-votary (householder) are called small, because he is unable to desist from violence etc. completely and the vows of an ascetic (homeless) are called great, in as much as the desist from all sins completely. The lay-votary vows are partial, whereas those of the ascetic are complete. The five Anuvratas and five Mahāvratas are related to Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacarya (continence or sense control) and Aparigraha (nonpossession). Since these are observed partially by a lay-votary, they are called anuvratas in his case. An ascetic observes them completely, and therefore, in his case they are known as mahāvratas. These are to be practiced in their most rigorous from without indulging in relaxation in any way. A Śramana observes these five great vows most appropriately. These vows are strictly to be observed by the monks, i.e. in speech, in mind and in deed and this until their death. In other worlds I may say these five great vows are carried on through three means (Triyoga) and in three ways (trikarana i.e. in speech, mind and action), but the five small vows are carried
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
