Ahimsa the Science of Peace

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

Page 73

includes a variety of ever-changing features like time, place, environment, social structure etc.
In the fundamentals of Jainism there is ample scope to accommodate these ever changing features within the framework of the basic principles. But, as happens with every system, the rules have not been improvised to suit the changed circumstances. There is a need and also scope for adapting and revitalizing these applied forms without which the chances of total rejection, of even the basics, by the modern society would continue to increase.
In earlier times the reforms and experiments in applied form of the principles of Ahimsa appear to be common features. Changes from time to time were made, it appears, depending on circumstances as well as interpretations by scholars. The study of intrinsic qualifications (Mool-guna) shows these variations. Somdev and Amrit Chandra's list of eight intrinsic qualifications includes rejection of wine, meat, honey and five types of fruits. Samantabhadra's list shows five Anuvrats and abstinence from wine, meat and honey.
Acharya Amitgati added curb on eating during night to the eight by Somdev. Vasunandi further added gambling, hunting, prostitution, adultery and stealing to the negations. Pandit Ashadhara further added respecting individuals at five stages of purification (Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu). He also added drinking filtered water to the list. These lists show that as per the needs of times and depending on other variables, reforms were being made in the applied form without hesitation.
It appears that with passage of time the emphasis shifted from goal to means. In process, the observance of the codes of conduct became more and more ritualistic. Instead of
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