Jain Journal 1972 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 49

JANUARY, 1972
duct of a Jaina monk. A lay follower is asked to give up himsā as much as he can. It has been stated in the Agamas, as your life is dear to you, so are others' lives to them. Therefore it is not just to kill a creature however small. Jivas have their different bodies due to karma. A non-violent person cannot take advantage of this.
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There are jivas which move and which move not in this world. Whether it is in one category or the other it is due to divergent karma.
The jiva which moves in this life may be born as a jiva which moves not. Whether it moves or moves not, none desires suffering. Know this and be restrained towards them.
There is much stress on aparigraka or non-accumulation and restraint in Jainism.
Riches, rice, house or property, movable or immovable can't save one who is suffering due to the fructification of his own karma.
Until one gives up his attachment to things movable and immovable or desist from approving attachment cannot get rid of karma.
By enjoyment of senses one incurs bondage and for this he roams in the cycle of life and death. One who desists from enjoyment will be free from bondage.
Jainism has denounced outward form and ritualism in the following words.
Bark, deer-skin, nakedness, matted hair, rags and tonsure save not one who is wicked.
A bhiksu, who lives on alms, is sure to go to hell if he is wicked. A monk, even a householder, will go to heaven if he is restrained.
Jainism does not believe in caste. According to it all men are equal.
One becomes a Brāhmaṇa, Ksatriya, Vaisya or Sudra according to his own karma.