Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
View full book text
________________
•
Acaurya i.e. abstinence from stealing or taking other's things without their permission. Aparigraha i.e. Non possession or abstinence from excessive possessions Brahmacarya i.e. celibacy or staying absorbed in pure soul' nature
•
These vows are very important from social point also as non observance of these is termed as sins (pāpa) causing miseries not only in this but future lives also. This is an extremely important consideration to ensure adherence of the vows in the minds of the followers so that they abstain from committing these sins and making them as a basic requirement to progress on the path of liberation. The followers are required to perform six essential duties daily are: practice state of equanimity with soul, reciting virtues of 24 tīrthamkaras or fordmakers, veneration of the holy teachers, visiting the mistakes committed and seeking punishment or forgiveness develop feeling of separateness of body and soul.
The householders also observe the above vows but termed as minor vows (Anuvratas) for them and daily essential duties but partially e.g. the last vow of brahmacarya for householders is called svadāra-santosa or contentment with one's religiously married wife. Similarly in the essential duties of householders we see charity i.e. sharing own life and wealth with society as an essential duty for householders. To further emphasize social works or responsibilities in Jainism, one should read the daily prayer of Jains called 'Merī Bhāvanā' which promotes social interactions of Jains at different levels. Further 'Right belief the first essential requirement to follow and practice the path of spiritual purification has eight limbs; the first four are to enforce discipline on the practitioner himself and the last fours i.e. Protecting, Promoting stability, disinterested affection, Illuminating or enhancing the Jaina ideology emphasizes social responsibilities of the practitioners.
Apollononius Tyaneaus, Greek traveler of first century BC beautifully describes Jains as follows:
In India I found a race of mortals living upon the earth but not adhering to it, inhibiting cities but not being fixed to them, possess everything but possessed by nothing.
4 Called avasaykas which are: sāmāyika; caturvimšatistva; vandana, pratikramana and kayotsarga 5 Upaguhana, Sthithikarana, Vatsalya and Prabhāvanā respectively.
Page 154 of 317
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
