Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 59

Right conduct
Samyak Charitra
For the Jains the pure, liberated soul has bliss, but this characteristic is marred by the impurities in a defiled soul. Purifying the soul and liberating it from this entrapment is therefore the main goal of human life. How do we achieve this goal ? The goal is known, the path is decided and the journey is to begin, but progress depends on determination and self discipline. Taking vows helps our determination and helps us develop self discipline. Therefore, lay persons are advised to take introductory vows an practice self restraint. One must be fully motivated and disciplined if the destination is to be reached. The Jain teachersTirthankaras- have recommended a motivational tool of 'taking vows' (vrata) to launch oneself on a path to moksha. A casual attitude without vows, of course, would achieve very little progress. Beginners start with twelve introductory-vows. More rigid observance of vows is prescribed for the monks and nuns who are seriously progressing along the path. The main goal of beginner vows is to help people meet their obligations to the family and society, and to overcome the emotional stresses of passion, desire and greed, and of day-today materialist living. As we achieve a degree of self restraint and equanimity, more vows are taken to gain greater control over other weaknesses.
The Jain lifestyle is a blend of the principles and the practice of the Jain code of conduct that can help one live a much better life. One who follows the code strictly, takes the vows, and undertakes the path to moksha may reach the goal in this lifetime, or will increase his/her chances for moksha in the next life. Many lay persons simply decide to follow Jain principles and practices to the best of their ability. Such ambivalent attitude towards vows has given rise to an interesting rite know as pratyakhyana or pachchhakhana in which laypersons take limited time-bound vows renouncing certain activities for a fixed period of time. For example, one may publicly or privately vow that she or he will fast for a fixed number of days, etc. This way one can attempt to balance one's domestic role with a desire to live a more devout life. By following the introductory vows or the simple pratyakhyana, one is certain to be rewarded by a well-organized, self-disciplined lifestyle full of peace and tranquility. The rewards of moksha are certainly worth the attempts, although a life style that gives us a healthy, stress-free, peaceful life is no less an achievement on a personal level. Further, at the community level, Jains have produced a culture, which is rich in arts, literature and scholarship- a type of culture which flourishes only during peaceful periods. Therefore, on a global level, the wider adoption of a peaceable Jain lifestyle could bring harmony and serenity to our contemporary world filled with its wars, violence, and environmental degradation,