Bhagvana Mahavira

Author(s): Tulsi Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 74

Bhagavān Mahāvīra
for the slightest fault on their part. It is a common practice for people to chain beasts and men and to mutilate them in fits of anger. Animals are forced to carry unbearable burdens. They are deprived of their nourishment. Servants are refused sustenance. These are cruel practices. You will not be able to practise ahiṁsā if you also behaved in the like manner. You shall not indulge in acts like (1) killing, (2) chaining men and animals, (3) mutilating men and animals, (4) overloading animals, and (5) depriving men and animals of sustenance.
"Ananda ! it is true that you propose to take the vow of truth, but you have a huge agricultural estate, a big family and innumerable social contacts. If you behave in delinquent or remiss manner, you will not be able to practise truth. For practising truth, you shall not deny anybody his property deposited with you, not give a false testimony, and not tell lie in your dealings.
"If you took the vow of truth, you will bave to observe the code of conduct based on it. There are people who thoughtlessly defame others, accuse others on mere suspicion, disclose confidentially imparted secrets deliberately, misguide others, and indulge in forgery. All such malpractices are opposed to the practice of truth. For the observance of the vow of truth, you will not indulge in them. You are interdicted to indulge in these five acts :-(1) thoughtless calumny, (2) character-assassination, (3) disclosure of secrets, (4) deliberate misguidance, and (5) forgery.
"Ananda, it is true you propose to take the vow of nonstealing. But have you controlled your desires ?”
Ananda said, "My lord! I have done so. Hence I am adopting this vow, otherwise I would not have proposed it.”
Bhagavān Mahāvīra said, “Ananda, you will have to adopt the code of conduct based on it. There are people who