First Steps to Jainism Part 1

Author(s): Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari
Publisher: Sancheti Trust Jodhpur

Page 60

46 First Steps to Jainism
mutually exclusive. for example the 49th combinations embraces all the 48 others. Similarly 1:1 combinations are covered automatically by 1:2 combinations and so on.
55. The analysis also shows the simple nature of the path of Right Conduct which has place for everyone a beginner, a follower of middle path and a perfectionist.
56. We now give below the important steps prescribed in the form of vows of the saints and the laity separately in a tabulated form:
Unqualified Right Conduct for Saint (Angar Dharma)
(i) Obeys five major vows (Mahavrata)
(ii) Exercises three controls (Gupti)
(iii) Exercises five types of vigilance (Samiti)
(iv) Follows ten commandments (Dharma) Common to both
Qualified Right Conduct for Laity (Agar Dharma)
(i) Obeys five minor vows (Anu vrata)
(ii) Follows three types of qualitative vows (Gunvrata)
(iii) Follows four types of educational vows
(Siksha Vrata)
(a)
Practising twelve types of Penance (Tap)
(b) Twelve types of Reflection (Bhavna) Discarding the body (Sallekhana)
(c)
57. The operative or the most important part of the above steps of Right Conduct is the five vows-major or minor, other steps being intended to reinforce one's resolve, supplement one's efforts and strengthen one's steps on this pilgrimage.
58. The five vows are essentially the same for all, the distinction between minor vows and major vows depending upon the extent to which they are practised which has been explained earlier. The five vows are refrainment from:
1. Violence (hinsa),
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