Jain Journal 1999 07

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

Page 52

50
JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXIV, No. 1 July 1999 be right knowledge, without right knowledge, there cannot be right conduct and without right conduct man can never achieve Nirvāna or emancipation.
Conduct of a Monk and a Householder
Jaina texts describe the conduct expected from a monk as well as from a householder elaborately. Amonk is expected to follow five great vows (Mahavratas) and a householder five primary or minor vows called Anuvratas. Abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, carnality and possessiveness are the vows. Violence, falsehood and the like, influence behaviour so deeply that they are seen as entrenched habits which require vows to root out. Non-violence is mentioned first, because it is the principal vow, the basis of all other vows. Just as a fence is meant to protect a field, the last four vows are meant to protect the prim vow of non-violence. A vow is a self-imposed obligation as to what one ought and ought not to do. It must be practised in thought, word and deed with full commitment of its careful observance at all times. Vows may generate the positive activities which result in beneficial karmas as Lord Mahavira says that the result of good karmas is beneficial and that of evil karmas is harmful.
The Principle of Non-violence
The rationale behind the principle of non-violence is the equality of all living beings. Lord Mahāvira said, “Not to kill any living being is the quintessence of all wisdom. One has to understand that nonviolence and equality of all living beings are the essentials of Dharma" (Sūtrakstānga-sūtra 1.11.10).
He further says, "O man! think that the being whom you want to kill is just like you, he too experiences happiness and sorrow just like you. The being whom you want to hurt and harm is just like you, the being whom you want to punish and drive away is also just like you. A noble aspirant lives upto these sentiments and neither harms nor kills any living being, nor does he cause them to be harmed and killed by others. One has to bear the consequences of one's actions" (Ācārānga-sūtra 1.5.5.5).
Equality of Living Beings
Jainism believes that all living beings are equal and life in every creature has to be respected. They believe that not only human beings but animals, birds, plants and even the tiniest creatures have souls. Not only that, but even creatures in air, water and fire, though invisible, have souls. Lord Mahāvira says, “All living beings desire to live. They