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HERITAGE OF LORD MAHAVIRA :
and in an optional number, so as to suit the varying needs of different individuals. Although they stand below the standard of the Five Great Ascetical Vows, they still repre-- sent a high level of ethical conduct.
These two groups of fundamental vows are so constituted that they are to be taken only once in the whole life and to be kept lifelong with utmost purity, both by monks and laymen alike. Not only the monks, but also the laymen among Jainas are very particular about taking and keeping, in addition, a number of other detatched vows of a similar character for an optional period. For, the Pratyakhyana, the solemn vow, is the very key to 'MOKSHA'or salvation. The constant observance of such vows alone can lead to final liberation. Thus there is practically no Jaina who will eat meat or fish or fowl or even eggs, and there is no Jaina who will intentionally and without purpose kill or trouble a harmless living creature, be it even a fly. Most Jainas even avoid potatoes, onions, garlics and other such vegetables believed to be endowed with a higher potency, as well as eating at night. Similarly, most Jainas take for certain days the vow of abstension from green vegetables or from travelling and moving out, or the vow of chastity and vows of numberless things connected with daily life.
The theoretical as well as practical valuation of the different kinds and grades of Pratyakhyanas, or the solemn
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
