Basic Principles Of Jainism

Author(s): Narayan Lal Kachhara
Publisher: Narayan Lal Kachhara

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capitalism versus communism can be solved by effective pursuit of the vow of aparigraha while the proper understanding and practice of Ahimsa can exterminate wickedness and hatred from the hearts of men as they contain the seeds of war. Mahatma Gandhi has proved to the world that Non-violence and Truth can achieve even against the most formidable powers of the world.
Gunavratas
The three gunavratas mentioned by Samantabhadra are digvrata, anarthadandavrata and bhogapabhoga parimana. These are intended to impose restraints of long duration on the activities of a house-holder so that the chances of his committing transgressions of other vows are considerably, if not totally, reduced. They are supplementary vows which aid the individual in his observance of the anuvratas.
i)
Digvrata
There are ten directions: East, West, North, South, North-East, South - East, North - West, South-West, Up and Down. One should fix the limit with reference to well-known objects in each of the directions and decide for himself that he would not transgress that limit. He who thus limits his activities to the prescribed limits is sure of observing the vow of non-injury fully as regards the area lying beyond the limits. There would be no occasion for breach of any of the vows. The limitations thus fixed may be for the entire life-time or for limited period of life. In fixing the directions, he may take into account the nature of his occupations and his business requirements. In such an event there would be a limit on greed also.
Anartha-danda Vrata
ii)
This is second vow amongst the gunavratas. It means abstinence from commission of any sin in mind, by speech or conduct within the limits of the directions set up by oneself without any justification. Having once determined the limits under the dig-vrata, it is not correct to commit any act that is sinful. One should abstain from all such acts that will not advance the cause of religion. It prohibits accumulation of all accessories of violence and means of injury. One should neither keep birds and animals like cocks, hawks, cats, vicious elephants, nor means of injury like poisons, spears, arms etc. One should desist from sinful gossips, evil thoughts and sports involving injury or loss of life.
Samantabhadra says that there are five kinds of anartha danda: i) papopadesa consists in giving such advice as will result in sinful activities such as will cause pain or suffering to animals and birds, or in carrying on their trade. Advice to beat animals or birds, or tie them down to a particular place or overloading them or cut their limbs or engage the birds will amount to this sin. No advice which stimulates others to pursue harmful activities leading to violence, theft or falsehood should be given: ii) himsadana means giving way or gifting weapons which are likely to be used for causing himsa, like axe, sword, bow, arrow, spear, shackles, poison, fire explosives, whip and gun etc. It also includes sale or lending of such weapons or articles of
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