Jain Journal 1988 07

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

Page 16

JULY, 1988
and proclaiming others' thoughts. Likewise to refrain from prompting others to steal, receiving stolen goods, buying goods other than those allowed by lawful and just means, using false weights and measures in order to obtain more from others and deceiving others with artificial or imitation goods like gold, synthetic diamonds and so on are some of the important small vows prescribed for Jaina householders. These observations should be in practice to make justice for self and the justice for the sake of society to implement social justice and create congenial atmosphere and relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy. Ordering someone to bring something illegally from outside the country is also prohibited for householders.
Anger, pride, deceitfulness and greed are the four passions which are main causes for the influx of the karmic matter into soul through the channel or medium of activity. This influx is differentiated on the basis of intensity or feebleness of thought-activity, intentional or unintentional nature of action, the substratum and its peculiar potency. With the intention of collective interest it is also an imperative task that one should not censure others by concealing their good qualities and praising oneself proclaiming noble qualities absent in oneself.
Rendering help to one another is the basic formula of Jaina discipline (parasparopagraho jīvānām). Some more supplementary vows are prescribed for householders which pave the way for their spiritual elevation with a view to having socio-economic justice. For instance, to curb the mentality of master minding operations aimed at enlarging their wealth or concentrating their economic power to achieve greater exploitative capacity, Jainism directs the householder to fix boundaries for business, not to pursue such activities which cause injury to living beings, to limit consumable and non-consumable things, not to use honey, meat and wine, to extend hospitality by offering food, implements, medicine and shelter, and to bestow one's possessions on another for mutual benefit. He should also observe compassion towards living beings in general and towards the devout in particular. He should practise charity, contemplation, equanimity and freedom from greed. A true follower of Jainism is also expected not to give weapons of violence, take interest in other's dispute, supply poisons, fire, rope, whips or other such objects as may lead to violence.
Remaining Pratimās:
The householder, besides observing the twelve vratas, follows the remaining spiritual stages gradually. In the third stage he has to