ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 168

2.1 Social, Personal and Spiritual Ethics or Virtues in Jainism All virtues / ethics in Jainism are based on its founding principle Ahiṁsā (nonviolence). Rather than separating virtues of body, speech and mind all virtues need to be followed by body, speech and mind together.
2.2 Moral and Spiritual Virtues 2.2.1 Eight Basic Duties (mūlaguņas) for Jainas As a primary requirement, every Jain must practice the following eight basic duties so that he can exercise self-control and lead a good, ethical and moral life before starting his journey for spiritual purification.
1. Avoiding use of all addictive (mind perverting) substances including but not limited to
alcohol, opium, marijuana, cocaine, cigarettes, tobacco etc. 2. Have meatless diet even excluding fish and eggs i.e. be vegetarian. 3. Avoid use of honey. 4. Avoid five non-edible fruits belonging to fig family as growth of infinite microorganism
takes place in them. 5. Always use filtered and purified water. 6. Eat before sunset 7. Always keep attributes of five auspicious beings (Panca Parameşthis) in mind and when
applicable visit temple for veneration and devotion. 8. Compassion towards all living beings.
2.2.2 The Five Vows The following five vows called vratas are to be followed by all. For laity, these are called Anuvratas (small vows) and asking the practitioner to minimize the five ills i.e. violence, stealing, telling lies, owning possessions and adultery in relations; while for the monks the same are called Mahāvratas (major vows) and are to be practiced completely by them all the time.
1. Non-violence
2. Non-stealing
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