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

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

Page 82

PHILOSOPHY
B10 - Punya and Pap Karma
03. Adattädäna: Adattädäna means stealing. It is formed of two words. 1) Adatta means without permission and 2) Adäna means to take. To take something without permission of the owner or to steal is known as Adattädäna. To acquire something which does not belong to us by adopting wrong means is considered stealing. Even if we do not steal directly, but ask or encourage someone else to do so is also as bad as stealing. To receive or buy stolen property, evade taxes, adulterate, keep false weights and measures to deceive people, indulge in smuggling activities are all some example of stealing. To take someone's writings or idea without their permission is also stealing. Once, we start doing such things, there will be no limit as to how far we would go. Moreover, this habit will bring calamity to other family members as well. Therefore, we should not steal. The sense of stealing arises from greed (Lobha) and it causes Himsä. Non-stealing includes the maintenance of quality, not buying stolen goods, not cheating on taxes, divulging confidences (Vishväsha-ghät), etc. It also includes not revealing someone's secrets. The person who steals causes pain to one whom he deprives of the objects and such deprivation may bring inconvenience, trouble and even death. Seizing the property of another is like depriving him of his vitalities, for all objects belonging to one are his external vitalities. Hence, theft is Himsä. Taking with intent to steal objects, even of such things of trivial importance, which are in the possession of others is stealing. If we think deeply, accumulation of material objects beyond our necessities such as food, clothes and shelter also amounts to Adattädäna. If one accumulates more than his needs, he deprives others from getting their necessities. 04. Maithuna: Maithuna means being unchaste or engaging in sensuous enjoyment. In Jainism, there is no place for pre or extra marital sexual relationship because excessive sensual desire brings bad karmas. Forbidden for householders are sensual relationships with other men and women, going to a prostitute, gossiping about sensuous pleasure, wearing indecent dress and decorations; and taking intoxicating drugs. Even within the bounds of marriage, it is advised to observe restraint. Unnatural gratification, indulging in profuse speech or excessive passion even for one's own spouse are considered unchaste. A person who suffers from high desire for lust and sensual pleasures cannot resist temptations and thus indulges in immoral deeds. If there is a control over the urge for material indulgence, sensual desire can be restrained. 05. Parigraha: Parigraha means possessiveness or over collection of worldly objects or attachment to worldly possessions is known as 'Parigraha'. Unlimited possessions and hoarding things beyond a person's basic needs is considered a sin. This occurs when we try to accumulate more than our needs. We should learn to live happily with what our needs are rather than accumulating more just because we like those things. This is easy to say, but rather hard to follow. We should remember that unnecessary accumulation is the root cause of all unrest and keeps our craving alive for more possessions. Therefore, we should be content and should learn to control our desires. Greed is the root-cause of accumulation. For the householder absolute renunciation of Parigraha is not possible; he should set limits to its acquisition, possession and protection. Bhagawan Mahävir has explained two types of Parigrahas: external possessions and internal possessions. Bhagawan Mahävir said, "Muchchhä Pariggaho Vutto." Attachment is the possession (Parigraha). Attachments make the soul heavier with Karma. 06. Krodha: It means anger. We get angry for many reasons. Whenever we do not get what we want, we get upset and mad, and depending upon the situation either we throw things, use harsh words or have negative thoughts. When a person is angry, he cannot distinguish between right and wrong or good and bad. Angry person makes other person also angry and it creates a chain reaction. It destroys friendship and dissolves the fabric of family life. Besides accumulating bad karma, anger adversely affects health - causes adverse effects on the brain, heart, etc. To overcome anger, we should develop tolerance by cultivating the idea that forgiveness is my nature and a quality of a brave
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015