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Gems of Jainism
development. "Absolute freedom is absolute spiritual development."13 The Jaina moral code prescribes various vows and sub-vows which are called 'Vratas. “According to Jainas a vow (Vrata) is an act or omission which is done with an intelligent determination about its nature that it should be done... A vow (Vrata) or duty is thus essentially connected with one's self."14 These vows or obligations are considered as 'Cardinal Virtues' in Jainism. They are regarded as the great vows (Maha-Vrata) when they are absolutely faultless in their practice. At lesser stages of perfection, the vows are called limited vows (Anu-Vrata).15 Five great vows or cardinal virtues are: non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (asteya), possessionlessness (aparigratha) and celibacy (brahmacarya).
Non-violence or ahimsa is a social obligation. It is based on an understanding that a person cannot forcibly take anything that is not hers or bis or anything that he cannot give. The vow of nonviolence in the form of obligation is very important for society. Without it the peace, stability and prosperity of the society is not possible. “If Jainism has been described as an ‘ethical system par excellence / ahimsa (non-violence) is the key-word of that system."16 Through this vow one is made to recognize the sanctity not only of human life but of all life, including birds and beasts, insects, fish, fowl and the smaller creatures. Non-violence is an obligation toward society and is also an obligation to oneself as part of society.
The second vow is ‘satya' or truthfulness. Truth is an obligation to oneself as well as to society. Untruthfulness leads to sufferings. People in society live on trust or faith; and if truthfulness is now and again violated the trust would be broken and the basics of living would be lost.
Non-stealing (astekya) is the third great vow. It requires that we abstain from stealing, robbing, looting or misappropriating other's property. This vow again proves to be one's obligation to society.
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