Jain Journal 1988 07

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

Page 15

JAIN JOURNAL
such as supreme forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and celibacy. The realization of self through these attributes generates tranquility, disenchantment with materialistic world, prosperity, supreme perfection and final beatitude. Householders and mendicants can achieve these attributes through spiritual disciplines and practices gradually.
(b) Vrata Pratimā :
In order to prepare himself for the ascetic life the householder goes ahead to observe the twelve vows (five anuvratas, three gunavratas and four sikşāvratas) for obtaining inner purity of the self. Firm conviction with right understanding in the reality of fundamental principles of Jainism generates benevolence towards all living beings, joy at the sight of virtuous, compassion and sympathy for the afflicted and tolerance towards the insolent and ill-behaved. He who conducts himself in this manner is able to practise non-violence, truth, non-stealing, refraining from all illicit sexual activities and non-possession to perfection.
Non-violence is the fundamental principle of Jainism. It rebuffs all complaints and humiliations made by small and big, if followed seriously. Its instinct percolates into the heart of a right ascetic and leads him to humanity by leaps and bounds. Here violence means severance of vitalities out of passion. Negligence is the main cause of violence. Even violence in thought in Jainism is a cause of injury. Datavaikälika says that one who walks, stands, sits, sleeps, eats and speaks with vigilance, no sin accrues to him. Jaina thinkers discussed violence and non-violence at a great length. In their opinion avoidance of external violence is as necessary as the avoidance of feelings of attachment. Violence is mainly of three types, i.e. (1) committed by himself, (2) got committed by others, and (3) giving consent to violence done. Violence should be avoided by either of the three agencies of mind, speech and body. Thus a layman starts his steps towards equality and equanimity. Other vows are intended in safeguarding the vow of nonviolence.
Some remarkable disciplines are to be mentioned here which can be said are instruments for social and economic justice. The true householder should be kind to animals. He should not bind, beat, and mutilate their limbs. He should not overload them and withhold food and drink. He is also expected to refrain from perverted teaching, divulging what is done in secret, forgery, misappropriation