Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai

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The Doctrines of the Jainas
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as much as a progressive man is expected to cultivate and develop friendliness, truthfulness, honest life, etc. The difference seems to be one of degree and not of kind. (Vide Law, Jaina Canonical Sutras, pp. 62-63). According to Parsva there were four vows. To these four vows of Parsva the vow of chastity was later added by Mahavira. This he did by dividing the vow of property into two parts: one relating to women and the other relating to material possessions. The Ajivika leader Gosala's conduct led Mahavira to add the vow of chastity to the four Vows of Parsva.
Chatuyama or caujjama (Pali chatuyamasamvara) denoting four vows of Parsva was undoubtedly a phraseology of the religion of Parsya, but it acquired altogether a new connotation with the followers of Mahavira.
The first great vow of the Jainas is abstinence from killing living beings. (Cf. Buddhist Panatipataveramani). The second great vow is avoidance of falsehood (Cf. Buddhist Musavadaveramani). A Jaina speaks after deliberation. He comprehends and renounces anger, greed, fear and mirth. The third great vow is avoidance of theft (Cf. Buddhist Adinnadaveramani). A Jaina begs after deliberation for a limited space. He consumes his food and drink with the permission of his superiors. He who has taken possession of some space should always take possession of a limited part of it, and for a fixed period. He may beg for a limited space for his coreligionists after deliberation. The next vow is avoidance of sensual pleasures (Cf. Buddhist Abrahmacariyavera
1. Chatuyama samvara samvuto (Sam. I, 66; Digha. II, 49).
Cf. Anguttara 1, 205 - This is known in southern Buddhism as Niganthuposatho.