Jain Journal 2013 07

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

Page 11

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JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLVIII, NO. 1-IV JULY 2013-JUNE 2014
The other vows :
All the other vows preached in Jainism are only an extension of the vow of non violence. Truthfulness is essential to keep order and harmony in society. There are moments in life when one has to take hardships to keep up one's convictions. In business and in our day-today dealings our truthfulness is put to test. We have to practice it constantly to maintain our integrity. While observing the vow of nonstealing. one is required to earn his livelihood by honest means. We violate the vow of Aprigraha by accepting and holding what is not needed by us. What we possess in surplus has to go to those who need it badly. The principle of continence is significant in maintaining the morals in society.
Thus we see that these principles, preached by Lord Mahāvīra, are universal in character and are applicable to every individual in any society. These simple rules can be practised without the least philosophical speculation, even by ordinary people. Integral View of Life :
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Either faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take us to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation. These constitute the three jewels of Jainism. Without right faith, there is no right knowledge and without right knowledge there is no virtuous conduct. Lord Mahāvira says, “By knowledge one understands the nature of substances; by faith one believes in them; by conduct one puts an end to the flow of karmas and by austerity one attains purity” (Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, 28.35)
Concept of Karma :
The significant achievement of Tirthaņkara Mahavira’s revolution in spiritual field was the upholding of the concept of Karma in place of God, the creator. He said that man is the architect of his own destiny and he can rise only by his own efforts and not by the grace of any external agency. God is devoid of attachment, hence there is no