Ahimsa the Science of Peace

Author(s): Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 38

laws of the state along with his individual pursuits, a partial abjuration of these vices has been prescribed for him.
The five vices are: Himsa (violence), Asatya (falsity), Asteya (theft), Maithun (libido), and Parigraha (Possessiveness). Abstinence from these vices leads to purification. The first step prescribed for purification is known as the Anuvrats, or minor vows. These vows are five in number and prescribe the code of conduct for abstinence from the five vices to a degree possible for a citizen. We shall try to understand just one of these in modern context.
Although the basis will be the traditionally accepted interpretations, the modern approach may open new insight and direction. It may even go against the tradition. It should not be taken as an attack on the faith of the followers of Jainism. It should be taken in the spirit that when truth is sought for, it is inevitable that the tradition of rituals and dogmas comes under heavy and unflinching attack. Reforms are inevitable result of such critical but constructive analysis.
Any reforms coming from any source should be considered with an open mind before acceptance or rejection. Reforms have never been denied by the authors of Jain principles, because if they are healthy they are within the framework of the basics. The form of these principles, which most of us know and try to follow, is nothing but the social religion, or the applied form of the Jain philosophy. As such, there should be no bias against healthy reforms.
Out of ignorance impossible rules based on faulty interpretations of the basics given by the original thinkers are sometimes formulated. Once such rules are made and followers find them difficult to observe, the next genera
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE XXXI