Jain Journal 1972 04

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

Page 31

JAIN JOURNAL
The sādhus themselves do not commit any violence by thought, word or deed nor do make others commit it, nor do they approve of any violence committed by others. This is the first mahāvrata or great vow. This is called ahimsā or prāņātipāta-viramaņa-vrata.
The second major vow is a total abstention from falsehood. It is called truthfulness or mrşāvāda-viramana-vrata. The sādhus 'always speak the truth. They have to refrain from speaking the truth which is likely to lead to some kind of himsā or violence. In such a case they had better hold their peace. If a man is subject to anger, greed, fear or the habit of poking fun or cracking jokes, there is every chance of his having to tell a lie ; that is why it is enjoined upon the sādhus to renounce anger, greed, etc. They do not indulge in falsehood or hypocrisy either in thought, word or deed, nor do they make others indulge in it, nor approve of others' indulging in it.
The third major vow is non-stealing. It is also called adattādāna-viramana-vrata. The sadhus do not commit any form of stealing. They do not take anything not given to them by it They do not make others take such a thing, nor do they approve of others' taking it. While taking alms, they are particular about the quantity they accept, so that it may not be more than what is just required. Acceptance of more than the required amount renders them guilty of stealing.
The fourth major vow is brahamacarya or chastity. It is called maithuna-viramana-vrata. The sādhus give up all forms of sexual enjoyment in thought, word and deed. They do not themselves indulge in sexual pleasure, do not make others indulge in them nor do they approve of others indulging in them. They strictly eschew all thought of the sexual pleasures that may have had as householders. They do not sit or lie down on a seat or bed used by a woman. They do not eat palatable food or any food that is likely to excite carnal desires. These are some of the severe rules the sādhus or monks follow in their practice of the fourth great vow.
The fifth major vow is non-possession or aparigraha. It is called parigraha-viramaņa-vrata. The sādhus renounce all possessions, such as all kinds of wealth, grains, land and other immovable properties, house, etc. They do not themselves possess these things, do not ask others to possess them, nor do they approve others possessing them. They practice the fifth great vow by giving up all attachment in thought, word and deed to all objects of sound, sight, smell, taste and touch.