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(2) Belief in the real guru (master) that is only that individual who strictly observes the five great vratas (vows) consisting of nonviolence etc. and who faithfully preaches the principles of religion propounded by the Omniscient Lord is the real guru.
(3) Religion is defined as that which holds up those who are treading along the wrong path and are going down and down in the lower strata of existence. This religion has all pervading friendlines and mercy (daya) as its basis. To believe that the religion propounded by the omniscient Lord only is the true religion is the essence of this belief.
Twelve vows of a Layman (4) The twelve vows of a layman consist of (1 to 5) five anuvratas (vows of a smaller category) (6 to 8) three gunavratas (vows which purify the attribụtes of a soul) and (9 to 12) four shikshavratas (vows which admonish the soul).
1. Vow of abstention from gross injury:
Laymen are unable to refrain from committing some injury (Himsa) to immobile living beings (sthavara Jivas) such as plants, creepers, trees etc. In fact it is impossible Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat www.umaragyanbhandar.com
