ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 137

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
JAIN
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
In the detailed account of this vow of the householder his possessions are categorized into five. These are (i) Kesetra-vastu (farms and houses), (ii) Hiranya-suvama (gold and silver) (iii) dhana-dhanya (wealth and com) (iv) dvipada and catuspada (bipeds and quadrupeds) (V) kupya-dhātu (other requisites such as utensils and other household articles) articles (śrāvaka-pratikramaṇa-sutra). This list includes almost everything that a householder needs for himself and his family for a normal living in the society. The householder considers it his duty to limit his possessions and curb his limitless desires voluntary control, which is needed in the present day consumerist society. The society householder on his own resolves not to keep possession beyond a certain limit, which he is supposed to observe in letter and spirit i.e. through mind, speech and word. (mana, vacana, kāyika). At the present time he is not supposed to interfere in the desires and possessions of others or forcefully impose any such limitations on others or even on his family members. This vow is of limitations on others or even on his family members. This vow of limitation of possessions is only for himself. This is in keeping with the true spirit of voluntary self-control emerging from within rather than imposed on him from without any compulsion or force. Upasakadasānga sūtra cites the examples of limiting of possessions by prominent upasakas (householders) such as Ananda but there is no reference of Ananda asking others to curb their possessions.
Further, if an individual violates the boundary line of his possessions as per vow regarding all the aforesaid categories he commits what is called an aticara (transgression). He realizes this acknowledges this in his daily prayer. This shows that he reminds himself daily of any transgression of this vow. In fact, this is not only individually significant but also socially relevant as these prayers are often held in groups.
Again, in the twelve-fold scheme of the householder's vows the seventh vow called upabhoga-paribhoga-parimaṇa-vrata is also contextually very relevant. The text of this vow very explicitly suggests how the householder voluntarily imposes limits on the articles of daily use and consumption and also on articles that are sparingly used. Uncontrolled and repeated use of the same expensive articles would reflect his controlled desires for material objects. The terms 'upabhoga' (objects of consumption) and 'paribhoga' (repeated use of the same objects of luxury) throw light on object related control and desire related control. It is worth nothing that if iccha-parimāņa is determination, upabhoga-paribhoga parimāņa is its implementation. The detailed text of this vow discusses the major, minor and even very
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0