Book Title: I am Mahavira
Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Page 66
________________ I AM MAHĀVĪRA 57 and with proper faith. Similarly, when the human being will take a bath in the confluence of faith, knowledge and conduct or activity, he will have self-realization. This is the ultimate objective of his life. This is his liberation." "All the activities or propensities of human beings occur due to mind, speech and action. We should not make these components to work freely. Their freedom has resulted in many obstructions in the progress of the society. The casteism, untouchability, superstitions and latencies are all the result of ignorance and prejudices. We should control these components through proper yogic exercises. The exercises lead the body to develop properly. The mind is also enriched thereby. The speech also gets serene. The exercises for the inner development of men are called vows (vratas). Some vows cleanse the mind, some purify the body and serenize the speech. These faith, knowledge and conduct form the basis of all kinds of human faculties." "There are five vows (1) Non-violence (Ahimsā), (2) Not to speak false (Satya), (3) Not to take not-given (Acaurya),(4) Celibacy (Brahmacarya) and (5) Not to possess more than what is needed (Aprigraha). Almost all the great saintly men of different countries have taught these vows in some form or other. The laity has to observe them grossly. The monks have to observe them finely. They are called Minor Vows (Aṇuvratas) for the laity and Major Vows (Mahāvratas) for the monks. The Vows are the same, Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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