Environmental Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: S M Jain

Page 30

DOCTRINE OF ABSTINENCE
"To arrange others marriages, to indulge in unnatural sex, to have excessive indulgence and to use obscene language are transgressions of the vow of celibacy." "परविवाहकरणेत्वरिकापरिग्रहीतापरिग्रहितागमनानङ्गत्र? TO ART. 117/2811
- Tatvarth Sutra "To be involved in arranging marriages, going to prostitutes, divorced lonely married bad character women and unnatural sex with other organs are transgression of the vow of celibacy and are prohibited".
This doctrine of celibacy is instrumental in population control and consequent increase in consumerism and thus reducing pressure on natural resources and eventually checking further degradation and pollution of environment. It is also a recorded fact that sex is cause of many crimes of murder, loot, harassment, suicides. The vow of celibacy is important for social harmony also.
This is a supplementary and auxiliary doctrine to support and strengthen the observance of five mandatory vows of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, non-consumerism and celibacy. Jain thinkers prescribed rules and sub-rules so that there is no loophole for transgressions and laxity. Though these subsidiary injunctions and instructions are covered broadly under the five vows, they provide additional guidelines.
"सुरंग वा मेरंग वा वि, अण्णं व मज्जगं रसं। Poufafang, UR HUJT | 15/361"
- Dashavaikalik Sutra "One should not take wine and any other intoxicating substance".
The harmful effects of growing use of intoxicating substances are well known. They destroy the person, his family and peace in society Many crimes of violence, theft etc. are committed by addicts and persons under intoxication.
'व्रतपालानार्थानि शीलान्याहुमहर्षयः । afeautarefa GSKRIT Pata: 11601
- Solakhkaran Bhawana Vivek "In order to observe the five vows it is necessary to refrain from emotions of anger, vanity, hypocrisy and greed."