ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 52

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► Be ready to listen to hither to unknown noble doctrine.
Be ready to follow noble conduct. → Be ready to block inflow of Pāpa- Karmas through practice of austerities. ► Be ready to help and provide refuge to the destitute and helpless. ► Be ready to educate the uneducated.
Be ready to serve the ailing with joy. ► Be ready to resolve differences, strife, conflicts etc. among the colleagues and bring
about harmony.
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Similarly the following dialogue between Mahāvīra and Ganadhara Gautama reported in: Āvaśyaka-sūtra, commentary by Haribhadra, requires in similar commitment:
Bhagavan! Who is to be commended, the one who serves the ailing and distressed?
Gautama. He who serves the ailing and distressed is to be commended. Bhagavan! Why is it so?
Gautama! He, who serves the ailing distressed, serves me. He who serves me serves the ailing and distressed. This is the pith and substances of the doctrine of Arihantas. Therefore, O Gautama! | say - he who serves the ailing and distressed, serves the ailing and distressed. Therefore, one who serves it to be commended?6
In fact the Jaina scriptures are replete with large number of equally effective references, which highlight the need of compassion along with non-killing and non-harming. Recently a book "Sakārātmaka Ahimsā : Šāstrīya aura Căritrika ādhāra" authored by Mr. K. L. Lodha and published by Prakrit Bharti Academy, Jaipur (India) has extensively gleaned verses from Svetāmbara agamasand Digambara sources to put across this aspect of the wholeness of the concept of Ahimsā.
Both of the Jaina clergy and laity, great and minor vows (Vratas) are mandated by Jaina canons. These are common to all sects of Jainas. Among them, the first vow or Vrata is for Ahimsă. The classical definitions of these vows for Ahimsă are as under (mainly for clergy):
Avasyaka-sútra, leaves 661-662
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