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An Introduction to Jain Philosophy
or injury to any living organism nor approve such acts, if others. do it.
Satya (non-lie)
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The second great vow is non-lie is complete abstention from all kinds of lies by all the ways, as described above. In case a truth uttered causes pain or death to a living being, speaker should remain silent. Little talk is the best way to practice this vow and the situation is inconvenient to leave the place. A man who talks much inevitably indulge in falsehood.
Asteya (non-stealing)
Stealing is abandoned for ever. A Jaina Sadhu does not use even a very small thing without obtaining the permission of its owners. The vow of non-stealing restricts the use of things to what one has so that he does not even pick up a fruit fallen under a tree unless bestowed on him by the master of tree. Brahmacarya (maithunviramana)
Brahmacarya means abstaining from immoral conduct or nonsex. Monks are required to observe this vow strictly and completely. From the time the Jaina Sadhu takes up Dīkṣā till the end of his life he practices the vow of Brahmacarya. He does not touch women. If by accident he happens to touch even the garment of a woman he has to do prāyaścitta (expiation). They themselves do not enjoy sexual pleasure, nor ask another to do the same nor approve of it. If they had any experience of sexual pleasure in their past domestic life, they will not now think of it and observe this vow strictly. Aparigraha (non-possession)
The fifth and last great vow is aparigraha. Monks are required not to have attachment to any thing viz. wealth, property, grains or house, whatever it may be. They do not use any carriage, horse, cycle, motor car, plane or other vehicles. From country to country and place to place they go on foot only. They do not use umbrella, sandals, boots etc. They do not prepare their food themselves. In the same way as a bee collects honey from different flowers, the Sadhu goes to separate houses for collecting food.
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