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JAIN MONKS
Persons, who become Jain Sadhus (Ascetics) have not only to renounce all their riches and properties which at times may amount even to hundreds of thousands of rupees, but have also to dissociate themselves from many other things. They have to forsake company of their parents, brothers, sisters, children, relations and other near and dear ones. They have to give up attachment to everything and to cease wasting their time in the enjoyment of transient and detestable pleasures and pursuits of life. They have to be ready to tread alone along other sacred path of restraint ordained by Jineshwardevas for the attainment of the final absolution (Moksha). They receive initiation into the sacred order (Diksha) at the hands of Gurudevas (masters) who themselves are ascetics and take five great Vows (Mahavratas). These vows are as follows: (i) The first row is the vow of non
violence (Ahimsa): by this Jain Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com