ABC of Jainism

Author(s): S L Jain
Publisher: Maitree Samooh

Page 11

avoided. By chance if we happen to use money etc. of other family members without their consent, it needs to be brought in their knowledge at the earliest with necessary explanation seeking pardon.
Question: What is the concept of Brahmcharya ? Answer : Brahmacharya means chastity or celibacy Practice of chastity can be attained by purity of relations. We should treat our elders equal to our father or mother, of our equal age as our brother or sister and younger ones as our son or daughter. We should avoid vulgarity.
Question : what is the concept of Aparigrah ? Answer : Aparigrah is the practice of contentment. We should not collect unnecessary things. For example, we should not make unnecessary collection of garments etc. in several hundred pieces for use. We should not have greed and feel jealous by other prosperity. If we happen to earn more than our limits, we should use the excess amount for charity like distribution of medicines, spread of knowledge, in making provisions for saving life in danger and in feeding hungry & poor.
Question: What is the ethical code for a house holder ? Answer: Six daily activities for a house-holder are:
1. Worship of Jaina; 2. Worship of preceptors; 3. study of religious scriptures; 4. practice of self-control; 5. practice of austerities; and
6. charity a religious house holder should have following eight principal attributes:
1. Not to use alcoholic drinks; 2. not eat non-vegetarian food 3. not to use honey; 4. not eat after sun-set; 5. not eat five types of glomerule (clustered flower head) fig fruits; 6. to be compassionate towards all living beings; 7. to drink filtered water and
8. to have reverence towards five supreme souls. Jains house-holders are expected in their daily life observance of the following five vows;
1. Practice of non-violence; 2. Practice of speaking truth; 3. Practice of non-theft; 4. Practice of celibacy;