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The Concept of Pancasila in Indian Thought
moral course since it provides limitation of sexual desires to one's wife. As a matter of fact, no social activity (as marriage) is condemned so long as it does not hinder the right attitude which one should basically possess, and so long as one does not transgress the vows one has taken.1 The householder or a gṛhastha also stands on a spiritual platform, because he too aims at leading a chaste and unadultreous life, though he stands on a lower one than that of the monk.
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Sufficient references can be cited from various scriptures which give an idea regarding suitability of the matches in connection with marriage. About marriageable age of the girl it is said that a girl is marriageable when she attains puberty or when her childhood is over;2 or one whose reproductive organs are fully developed, or those who are fit for any sexual activity.4 The Jaina scriptures do not admit of child marriage, as suggested in the Manusmrti. About the ages of the boy and girl the scriptures tell that there should not be too much age difference between the spouses. qualities of the girl must be of the standard as those of the boy. Not only the virtues but also the appearance, looks and family background, etc., should be as compatible as possible. The barriers of the caste system etc. are not given any recognition in Jainism, nor do they at all influence the setting of marriage. The principles of exgogamy and endogamy are found to be frequently exis
The
same
B
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
सर्व एव हि जैनानां प्रमाणं लौकिको विधिः ।
यत्र सम्यक्त्व-हानिर्न यत्र न व्रतदूषणम्
Yasastilaka-Somadevasūri, part II, p. 373.
-Bhag. 11. 11,
-Jña a. 1.1.
उम्मुक्क बालभावे
manya afsalfg
अलं भोगसम
सरिसयाणं सरिसव्वयाणं सरिसतयाणं सरिस लावण्णरुव जोवणगुणोव
वेयाण |
-Bhag. 11.11,
Jain Education International
--Ibid.
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