Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

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Syadvada in Jainism consists of certain nayas, which are points of view or principles, with reference to which certain judgements are arrived at or arrangements made. The number of nayas came to be finally fixed as seven. The syad mode was the real way of escape from the position of the dogmatist and that of the sceptic from both of which Mahavira recoiled.
FETTERS & HATRED CAST ASIDE
A Jain monk should cast aside all fetters and all hatred. He should not commit sins in thoughts, words, and acts. A true monk is one who does not care for his life, who abandons every delusion, who always practises austerities, and avoids contact with wicked men and women. He practises self-discipline, meditates on his soul, and does not hurt anybody. He is wise, hardy and calm. He should be steadfast, righteous, content, restrained and attentive to his duties. He should be impartial towards all beings in this world and should be careful to speak truth. He should keep the severe vow of chastity and practise mental and bodily penances. An ascetic will by means of simplicity enter the path of nirvana.
Jainism has many distinctive features of its own, and historically it occupies a place midway