$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

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

Page 58

FIVE GREAT VOWS
Chapter 14 - Five Great Vows
Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct known as Ratna Traya, are the three essentials for attaining liberation. In order to acquire them, one must observe the five vows:
The Vrata or vow is a specific code of conduct. In Jain scriptures dealing with the ethical code of householders, the term 'Vrata' has been defined as:
"Vrata or vow is a (religious) rule (of behavior) observed with determination (for a particular or indefinite period) and always indicates aversion or abstinence from doing foul and shameful acts or deeds. It reveals an inclination or disposition towards doing good and virtuous acts or deeds." Jainism has laid down a number of such vows for actual observance and they are considered very significant from religious and social point of view."
Five Great Vows
01 Non-violence - Ahinsä 02 Truth - Satya 03 Non-stealing - Achaurya or Asteya 04 Celibacy/Chastity - Brahmacharya 05 Non-attachment/Non-possession - Aparigraha
Non-violence (Ahinsä) Ahinsä Parmo Dharma Non-violence is the supreme religion Among these five vows, non-violence (Ahinsä) is the cardinal principle of Jainism. Hence it is known as the cornerstone of Jainism. It is repeatedly said in Jain literature; "Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being."
According to Jainism all living beings, irrespective of their size, shape, or different spiritual developments are equal. No living being has the right to harm, injure, or kill any other living being, including animals, insects, and plants. Every living being has a right to exist and it is necessary to live with every other living being in perfect harmony and peace.
Nonviolence is based upon the positive quality of universal love and compassion. One who accepts this ideal cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others. Violence of every type should be completely forbidden. Mental tortures by way of harsh words, actions, and any type of bodily injury should also be avoided. Even thinking evil of someone is considered violence in Jainism.
In reality, it is impossible to survive without killing or injuring some of the smallest living beings. Some lives are killed even when we breathe, drink water, or eat food. Therefore Jainism says that minimum killing of the lowest forms of life should be our ideal for survival.
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JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I