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The Concept of Pañcasila in Indian Thought
been seen, he can even save the life of a drowning nun by plunging into the river, by doing so he apparently violates both the vows of celibacy as well as of non-violence, yet it requires no atonement. It is obvious that even in the extremely rigid vows in Jainism considerable heed to social morality is paid. Transgressions and Punishments :
Though a considerable room to the exceptions in this vow has been given, Jaina monastic code is strictly rigid on the question of transgressions of this vow. The transgressions cannot in any case be included in the exceptions (or apavāda). And as the texts reveal, strict steps were taken against the transgressors generally and especially of this vow, and the precept is supposed to be accepted in its strictest form. The reason for this is, as has been pointed out, that the very organization of monks and nuns rests for its major part on this very precept; the transgressions pertaining to it are, therefore, most cautiously looked into and the punishments likewise most carefully and rigorously inflicted. The severity of the punishment or the prāyaścitta depends on the extent and gravity of transgressions. Certain illustrations of transgressions, their atonements and punishments etc. can be seen to have a glimpse of the problem.
If, for example, a monk becomes passionate when he is on the begging round, the second prāyascitta called 'pratikramana' (condemnation of the transgression) would suffice as an atonement or purificatory action. But for the graver and graver transgressions the punishments would accordingly be severer and severer. All cases of transgressions of this precept and their respective punishments have been recorded, though not so much in the texts of Angas (basic canons) as in Chedasūtras, Bhăşyas and Cūrņis, more particularly in the Niśītha and Bphtakalpa. Dr. S. B. Deo has summarized such transgres
1. Amtagadas, pp. 503-4. 2. Jaina Monastic Jurisprudence, pp. 61-67.
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