Gems of Jainism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

Page 90

Values in Jainism for the Modern World
The third value non-stealing (asteya) refers to all sorts of dishonesty and conceit which is to be avoided. The significance of this value lies in attaining social equality.
The non-possession (aparigraha) is highly ethical. Jainism says, craving never ends, and brings greed and lust and attachment. Nonpossession i.e. Aparigraha is a value as the solution to harmony and peaceful co-existance. It refers to simplicity of life and is the foundation for spiritual and humanistic contemplation. "The lust for possession instigates several sins like injustice, fraud, hatred, bitterness and socio-economic inequality"30. The value of nonpossession is for peace and prosperity of the society which is required, very strictly and uncompromisingly, to be observed by the ascetics.
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The fifth and the last value is celibacy (Brahmacarya). Jainism shows the conditions under which celibacy could be realized. It is considered to be of prime importance for Right Character (Samyak Caritra) which is one of the requirements for liberation. Calibacy refers to co-ordination or equality of men and women and is regarded as the highest point of purification, where the sexual distinction vanishes and passions die.
Jainism talks about these five values as Five Great Vows (Panch Mahā --Vrata). It also talks at great length confession which for monks and his followers is compulsory-Confession brings purity of mind, body and soul.
The values in Jainism are religious and philosophical. All these values, (we have seen only the important ones), though highly subtle and highly difficult to understand, are made simpler by relating them to morality, purity, equality and mutual co-existence. Jainism strongly insist on values for "Live and let live". The beauty of values in Jainism lies in its direct appeal as they are all related to life and its liberation. Jainism takes an integral view of life and does not compartmentalize it. According to Jainism the values taught and preached are all important. Even then, the cardinal value on which the edifice of Jainism rests from time immemorial is Ahimsa