Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

Page 20

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into greed. Accordingly, the Jain seers recommend the path of Dharma ( Righteousness ) and Jain laymen · are enjoined to observe the Vow of Limitation of Possessions They believe that since desires are unlimited and the means of satisfaction is limited, there will be disharmony in society without the exercise of self-control.
Mere legislation cannot be effective, since it binds the individual only outwardly, often leading him to corruption. This, however, does not mean that one should not enjoy life. The Jain seers have clearly laid down that if one wants to enjoy life, one is free to do so, although one should not overleap the bounds of discretion Gunabhadracharya says in his Atmanushasan:Na sukhanubhavatpapam papam taddhetugha.
takarambhat, Najiram – mishtannamnanu tanmatradyatikra
manat.
“ There is no demerit in enjoying pleasures; but there is demerit in doing what tends to destroy their source. Indigestion is not caused by sweet food, (but) by eating it beyond the limit.”
Perhaps the creed of the Tirthankaras furnishes the only platform where all other faiths may