________________
126
Gems of Jainism
requirement to non-violent way of life. According to Mahavira the root of all sufferings was attachment towards the objects of worldly enjoyment. He advised that wiseman should not develop attachments even with his/her own body. He has preached that "it is only when attachment is vanished that the human mind becomes free from all tension and emotional disorder":
Non-possession is the foundation for spiritual and humanistic contemplation. The lust for possession instigates several sins, like injustice, fraud, hatred, bitterness and socio-economic inequality" 12. Mahavira preached non-possession for peace and prosperity of the society. This vow, and also others, are very strictly and uncompromisingly, to be observed by the ascetics.
The fifth, and the last, vow is Brahmacarya (celibacy). Earlier till the time Parsvanath it was a part of aparigraha. Lord Mahavir separated the two and defined celibacy in the way it was needed then. To free the people from worldly and sensual pleasure, to free from several unethical and unsocial activities, he insisted on celibacy. He showed the conditions under which celibacy could be realized. Mahavira considered Brahmacarya (celibacy) of prime importance for Right Character (Samyak Caritra) which, is one of the requirements for liberation. Life without character would make a person weak, lazy and corrupt; would make the society chaotic and unjust. Mahavira's vow of celibacy is "the self developed idea of co-ordination or equality of men and women. It is regarded as the highest point of purification, where the sexual distinction vanishes and passions die".
Mahavira, along with these five vows also added confession compulsory for the monks and his followers. This idea of confession for monks is not much known. However, Mahavira as a reformer and a great spiritual teacher insisted on the purity of mind, body and soul for the ultimate liberation.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
