$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

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

Page 142

CONDUCT
C03 - Jain Lay people: Shrävaks and Shrävikäs
other living beings. Sometimes, however, a householder may not have a choice but to use violence defensively and vocationally. A person may use force, if necessary, in the defense of his or her country, society, family, life, property, and religious institute. Violence committed without intention, through mere negligence, should also be avoided. At the end of the day, violence caused unintentionally is also a sin. We should always be remorseful for any violence we may have inflicted upon other living beings, whether it was avoidable or not. This is the essence of religion. It embraces the welfare of all living beings including animals, insects, vegetation, beings in the air and water, etc. The Jain faith goes one radical step further and declares unequivocally that wasting things and creating pollution are also acts of violence. Nonviolence is also based upon the positive quality of universal love and compassion. One who accepts this ideal cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others. As believers of Ahimsa, we cannot hurt others, ourselves, or show insensitivity to the pain and misery that may be caused by other factors. A true observer of Ahimsa has to develop a sympathetic attitude. He or she should get rid of the feelings of anger, arrogance, animosity, jealousy, and hostility that degrade the mind and generate violent instincts. Mental tortures by way of harsh words and evil thoughts are considered violence in Jainism. On the other side, to pursue the vow of nonviolence actively, one must help the needy, care for and share with others, and show kindness to everyone Ahimsa also has a deeper meaning in the context of one's spiritual advancement. Violence imposed upon others leads to the acquisition of new karma, which hinders the soul's spiritual progress. In other words, violence towards others is violence to one's own soul because it impedes one's own spiritual progress. Non-violence is the sheer anchor of Jainism. It is also the main contribution of Jainism to humanity. It includes all other vows: truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-attachment. 02. Satya Anuvrata (Limited Vow of Truthfulness): This vow is about refraining from malicious lies, which are uttered with an evil intention and with the knowledge that the statement is false. In this vow, a person avoids all types of lies, including giving false evidence, cheating others, giving false witnesses in or out of court, and forging fake documents. Evading taxes and cheating in business is also a form of falsehood.
The secret to earning wealth is honesty and morality. The roots of one's own happiness, peace, mental health, and welfare lie in morality. Falsehood can also be in the form of denial of a fact, the affirmation of that which does not exist, calling a thing something other than what it is, and statements that are destructive to others. On the positive side, it also requires refraining from speaking any truth that may cause suffering to others. If the truth has the potential to harm others or hurt their feelings, it is better to remain silent. A householder should minimize the minor violations to this vow related to self-defense, protection of his family and country, business, and job-related circumstances. He should be fully aware of these Atichärs (violations of the vow) and repent them continuously. Truth should be observed in speech, mind, and actions. One should not utter a lie, ask others to do so, or approve of such activities. Anger, greed, fear, pride, hatred, and jokes are the breeding grounds of untruth. Speaking the truth requires moral courage. Only those who have conquered greed, fear, anger, jealousy, ego, and frivolity can speak the truth. This vow is about more than abstaining from falsehood; it is seeing the world in its real form and adapting to that reality. The vow of truth puts a person in touch with his or her inner strength. 03. Achaurya / Asteya Anuvrata (Limited Vow of Non-stealing): Stealing consists of taking the property of others without their consent or by unjust or immoral methods. This vow prohibits the acquisition of anything that may be unattended or unclaimed.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015