$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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JAIN LAITY OR HOUSEHOLDERS (SHRÄVAKAS AND SHRÄVIKÄS) Chapter 05 - Jain Laity or Householders (Shrävakas and Shrävikäs)
Monks and nuns are very keen about the uplift of their souls and hence they sacrifice all worldly enjoyments and family relationships, and adopt the five great vows (Mahä-vratas).
For those who want to remain in family life, the complete avoidance of the five principle sins are difficult. For them Jain ethics specifies the following twelve vows to be carried out by the householder.
Of these twelve vows, the first five are main vows of limited nature (Anuvratas). They are somewhat easier in comparison with great vows (Mahä-vratas). The great vows are for the ascetics.
The next three vows are known as merit vows (Guna-Vratas), so called because they enhance and purify the effect of the five main vows and raise their value manyfold. It also governs the external conduct of an individual.
The last four are called disciplinary vows (Shikshä-vratas). They are intended to encourage the person in the performance of their religious duties. They reflect the purity of one's heart. They govern one's internal life and are expressed in a life marked by charity. They are preparatory to the discipline of an ascetic's life.
The three merit vows (Gunavrata) and four disciplinary vows (Shikshä-vratas) together are known as the seven vows of virtuous conduct (Shilä).
A person may adopt these vows, according to his individual capacity and circumstances with the intent to adopt ultimately as full or great vows.
The layperson should be very careful while observing and following these limited vows. These vows being limited or restricted vows may still leave great scope for the commitment of sins and possession of property. The twelve vows are described as follows:
Twelve Vows of Laity (Householders)
Five Main Vows of Limited Nature (Anuvratas): 01 Ahinsä Anuvrata
- Non-violence Limited Vow 02 Satya Anuvrata
- Truthfulness Limited Vow 03 Achaurya Anuvrata
- Non-stealing Limited Vow 04 Brahmacharya Anuvrata - Chastity Limited Vow 05 Aparigraha Anuvrata
- Non-attachment Limited Vow
Three Merit Vows (Guna-Vratas):
06 Dik Vrata 07 Bhoga Upbhoga Vrata
- Limited area of activity vow - Limited use of consumable and non-consumable items - Avoidance of purposeless sins vow
08 Anartha-danda Vrata
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
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