Jain Journal 2002 01

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

Page 9

JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXVI, No. 3 January, 2002
A unique feature of the ceremony is kesa-loca, i.e. plucking out hair from one's own head and beard. It is said to have been performed by Mahavira and symbolizes the monk's determination to meet the severe demands of ascetic life. This is repeated every four or six months throughtout the monk's life.
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Mahāvratas
The acceptance of the Mahāvratas, 'Five Great Vows,' is common to all the sects of Jainism and forms the most important part of the ordination ceremony. The five vows are :
(1) Ahimsa Abstaining from injury to all living beings, small or large, moving or immovable. For the perfect practice of this vow the monk must be careful in his movements, thoughts, words, and the upkeep of his belongings. Jainism recognizes as living being not only those having one to five sense-organs but also the elemental bodies (sthāvara) in air, water, fire and earth. A monk is expected to observe ahimsa towards even these categories of living beings. So he refrains from such acts as digging, bathing, swimming, wading through water, lighting or extinguishing fire, fanning himself, walking on greenery, or touching a living plant.
(2) Satya. Truthfulness. This vow is fulfilled by speaking only after careful deliberation and by giving up anger, greed, fear, and mirth which may lead one to indulge in falsehood.
(3) Asteya. Non-stealing (literally, not taking what is not given). This is carried out by begging, by asking permission of the superior before consuming food, and by asking permission for staying at a place for oneself and for one's fellow-monks.
(4) Brahmacarya. Abstaining from sexual intercourse. This is carried out by refraining from talking about, looking at, or thinking of members of the opposite sex; by not recalling to mind former sexual pleasures; by avoiding too much food, dainty dishes, and beds used by householders or members of the opposite sex.
(5) Aparigraha. Renunciation of all possession and attachments. This vow is strengthened when the monk refrains from enjoying sensepleasures. 12
12. Acaranga Sutra, tr. by H. Jacobi, in Jaina Sutras, 1:1-213, Sacred Books of the East, 1980, Vol. 22, 15, i.v. (condensed).