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o These vows guide and control the life of monks, nuns and
householders.
FIVE MAHAVRATAS (ESSENTIAL VOWS)
AHIMSA
(NON-VIOLENCE) This is pivotal and basis of all activities
ACHORYA/ASTEYA (NON-STEALING)
APARIGRAHA (NON-ATTACHMENT)
SATYA (TRUTH)
BRAHAMCHARYA
(CELIBACY
THE FIVE ESSENTIAL VOWS THAT BRING ABOUT AHIMSA (NON-VIOLENCE) WHAT IS ACHORYA /ASTEYA? o Literally ACHORYA means Non-Stealing. o Most common and prevalent understanding such as: thievery,
robbery, house break-in, burglary, snatching, acquiring what one desires by illegal, irrational and illegitimate ways and means and misappropriation of funds etc. are commonly
understood as stealing. o Achorya is all of that plus a lot more. o Jain Acharya Umasvati defines Achorya as: "taking anything
which is not willingly given”. o Not taking any item or services that do not belong to me. o Not taking without the full knowledge and willing consent
of the giver and without anythreat and duress. o Should be in full compliance of the law of the society. o Should respect the moral and karmic laws as much as
possible. o The dealings should be open, fair, honest, transparent, and
not be hiding any facts.
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An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
