$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

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

Page 59

FIVE GREAT VOWS In the universe, there are different forms of life, such as, human beings, animals, insects, plants, bacteria, and even smaller lives, which cannot be seen even through the most powerful microscopes. Jainism has classified all the living beings according to the number of senses they posses. It is more sinful if the life of higher forms (more than one sense) is killed. Hence Jainism allows laypeople to use only vegetables as a food for survival. All non-vegetarian food is made by killing a living being with two or more senses. Therefore, Jainism preaches strict vegetarianism, and prohibits non-vegetarian foods.
Jainism explains that violence is not only defined by actual harm, for this may be unintentional, but it is the intention to harm, the absence of compassion, unawareness, and ignorance that makes an action violent. Violence caused unintentionally is also a sin. Non-violence should be observed in action, speech, and thought. One should not be violent, ask others to do so, or approve of such activity.
Truth (Satya) Anger, greed, fear, and jokes are the breeding grounds of untruth. To speak the truth requires moral courage. Only those who have conquered greed, fear, anger, jealousy, ego, and frivolity can speak the truth.
Jainism insists that one should not only refrain from falsehood, but should always speak the truth which should be wholesome and pleasant. One should remain silent if the truth causes either physical or mental pain, hurt, anger, or death of any living being.
Truth should be observed in speech, mind, and actions. One should not utter an untruth, ask others to do so, or approve of such activities.
Non-stealing (Achaurya or Asteya) Stealing consists of taking the property of others without their consent, or by unjust or immoral methods. Further, one should not take anything, which does not belong to him. It does not allow anyone to take away anything, which may be lying, unattended or unclaimed. One should observe this vow very strictly and should not touch even a worthless thing, which does not belong to him. When accepting alms, help, or aid, one should not take more than what is needed. To take or to earn more than one's need is also considered theft in Jainism.
The vow of non-stealing insists that one should be totally honest in action, thought, and speech. One should not steal, ask others to steal, or approve of such activities.
Celibacy / Chastity (Brahmacharya) Total abstinence from sensual pleasure and the pleasure derived by the five senses is called celibacy.
Sensual pleasure is an infatuating force, which sets aside all virtues and reasoning at the time of indulgence. This vow of controlling sensuality is very difficult to observe in its subtle form. One may refrain from physical indulgence but may still think of the sensual pleasures, which is also prohibited in Jainism.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I
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