ABC of Jainism

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

Page 12

5. Practice of contentment;
Question : What is the Jaina Ethical code for monk ? Answer : Monks remain free from all types of the objective violence (Dravya Hinsa) as they do not hurt or kill any living being. They are free from passionate feelings and therefore they are immune from the subjective violence (Bhava Hinsa). They do not tell lie (falsehood). They do not accept anything if not offered to them. They follow complete chastity or celibacy and remain engrossed in the nature of pure soul. Monks remain free from internal and external possessions. They move carefully with compassion. They speak truth for the welfare of all, to the point and sweet. Monks accept meals with any infirmities, only for enhancement of their penance from a religious house-holder only. They pick up and place helping implements for sanitation, knowledge and self-restraint (Kamandalu, Shashtra and Pichhi) after careful examination. They discharge carefully excreta, urine, cough etc. on clean spot free from insects. Monks do not feel attachment or aversion in liking and disliking taste, colour, smell, touch and sound to attain the status of the victor of five senses. Monks practice religious meditation, recite prayer of all Tirthankaras and also any one Tirthankar. They always remain engaged in renunciation, in performing selfintrospection and give up attachment with the body. They do not take bath, do not brush their teeth and do not use any cloth to cover their bodies. They take short sleep on the ground, wooden planks, mates etc. Monks take their food from their palms in the standing posture only once in a day. They pull out their hairs of the head and the face. Monks perform penance of twelve kinds observe ten kinds of Dharma and always try to follow three religious jewels.
Question: What is the value of the Jaina ethical code ? Answer : The Jaina ethical code is of great social value because the practice of this code is intended to have good social order and equality in society through proper distribution of wealth.