Jain Journal 2013 07

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

Page 10

Duli Chand Jain: The Jaina way of life
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He should always help others without any selfish interest; He should always keep company of the noble and admire their virtues;
4. He should develop habit of listening spiritual discourses; He should admire the virtues of noble people so that he can gain material prosperity and spiritual advancement.
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He should have right attitude in practical life without excitement;
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He should follow famous customes and traditions which do not harm Dharma;
8. He should adore the virtuous always.
Practice for higher advancement:
Those who want to rise higher in spiritual live, must follow five Aṇuvratas (primary vows) prescribed for a householder which consists of partial observance of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity (to refrain from all illicit sexual relationships) and non possession. A householder should devote part of his time in Dana (Charity), Śeela (virtuous life), Tapas (austerity) and Bhāvanā (purification of thoughts).
Non violence :
Non-violence is the sense of equality of all living creatures. It you feel that every soul is independent and autonomous, you will never trample on its right to live. This leads you to compassion and kindness towards all living beings and results in harmony and peace in the world. The principle of non-violence in Jainism embraces not only human beings but also animals, birds, plants, vegetables and creatures of earth, air and water. It is the holy law of compassion extended to body, mind and speech of a living being. Lord Mahāvīra says, "All living beings desire to live. They detest sorrow and death and desire a long and happy life. Hence one should not inflict pain on any creature, nor have any feeling of antipathy or enmity. One should be friendly towards all creatures". (Acārāṇga Sūtra. 1.2.3.4)