________________
37. At the same time positive steps have to be taken to move forward on the road of Right Conduct. These steps are in three groups i.e. practising (i) non-violence (ii) self-restraint and (iii) penance. These require effort and practice, which has been made easy by prescribing precise rules of conduct in the form of vows (vratas). These lay down the doe's and dont's for the day to day life. These rules and vows are not only intelligible but simple, logical and practicable for all types of people. Ultimately the aim is to lead life in such a way that no fresh karma bondage occurs, the past karmas are separated from the soul and at the same time one can live comfortably.
The Three Jewels 37
38. Before proceeding further it may be reiterated that Right Conduct also includes, within its fold Right Penance (Samyag Tap) which is a very important part of Jain ethics and which some schools consider important enough to mention separately, thus declaring the path of liberation being four fold i.e., Right Faith; Right Knowledge; Right Conduct and Right Penance.
39. The interesting aspect of Right Conduct is that on this path there is a place for every one i.e. for a beginner called the path-follower (Marganusari) to the most advanced seeker-the saints. Further, this disciplined approach encompasses all the aspects of human life, social, personal, economic and of course, spiritual leading to integrated development of the individual.
40. Again, this high way is open to all irrespective of caste, creed or class, for Jains and non-Jains alike. It has been rightly remarked by the Missionary author Mrs. Sinclair Stevenson that "even Europeans and Americans, although they may never have heard of Jainism, if they follow though unconsciously, the rules and conduct, of necessity, destroy their Karma and so are sped to Moksha like an arrow from the bow."
To begin with let us mention the rules of conduct prescribed for a beginner called the path follower (marganusari), which are thirty five in number, which form the path-way of Right Conduct for a beginner.
Jain Education International
For Private Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
