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CONDUCT
C06 - Panchächär: Five Codes of Conduct
three types of restraints (Gupti).The twelve vows apply only to Shrävaks and Shravikäs, and are discussed in chapter C04 of the conduct section.
Panihäna-Jogjutto Panchahim Samiehim Tihim Guttihim Esa Charittäyäro Atthaviho Hoi Näyavvo
--- Panchächär Sutra Observance of five Samitis and three Guptis with a balanced mind is considered the eightfold code of conduct After gaining conviction, one has to put it into practice. That practice is known as Chäriträchär. The term means right behavior or right conduct. We will first consider here the monastic code of conduct and then the lay people code of conduct. Five Samitis (Carefulness):
1 Iryä Samiti: Whenever one has to make movements, one should remember that there happen to be living beings everywhere. One has to remain vigilant enough to see that he does not step, crush, trample, or otherwise hurt any living being by making movements. Since some minute violence is bound to occur in spite of all precautions, it is advised that after every movement, one should undertake a short Käusagga for atonement of violence inadvertently caused by such movements. 2 Bhäshä Samiti: This meticulously pertains to vocal or oral activities. Even exercising vocal faculty can hurt the minute living beings that pervade the air. This Samiti therefore lays down that every spiritual aspirant should speak slowly and only when necessary. Harsh and unnecessary speech that can cause mental hurt has to be avoided altogether. Moreover, the speech has to be truthful, beneficial, and pleasant. Otherwise, one should observe silence. 3 Eshana Samiti: This meticulously pertains to obtaining food and water, which are essential for survival. The aspirant has to get such food and water by going for alms. He should, however, be careful and vigilant even while accepting such food and water. The offer for alms should not involve any type of force or compulsion on the part of the giver. The food and water being offered should have been made out of acceptable, vegetarian ingredients that involve minimal violence. 4 Ädäna Nikshepa Samiti: This meticulously pertains to taking or placing any objects. Reckless pulling, pushing, lifting, laying, or otherwise mishandling objects can hurt living beings. If one is not careful, such activities can result in avoidable violence. Utmost care and vigilance should therefore be exercised while undertaking such activities. One often comes across the use of the term 'Upayoga' during Jain rituals and performances, which means staying vigilant. 5 Utsarga or Pärishthä-panikä Samiti: This meticulously pertains to disposal of wastes (excretion and urination.) Jainism does not permit reckless behavior even in the case of disposal. It has laid down proper rules of disposal: human excretion should be carried out in a place not habited by living beings. Since latrines and urinals happen to be the breeding grounds for a variety of germs and insects, Jainism forbade their use by the monastic order. Jainism indicates that ascetics should stay outside the city so human waste can be disposed of properly. This Samiti lays down the mode of disposing all wastes in a
way that would cause minimal violence and inconvenience to others. Three Guptis (Controlling One's Faculties): The final category of Chäriträchär is the Three Guptis, which is the three types of restraints in daily activities.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
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