Jain Lesson II

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

Page 35

3. I will not steal. (Asteya) 4. I will not indulge in any sexual activities. (Brahmacharya) 5. I will not have any possessions. (Aparigraha) They observe these vows in nine ways. They are: 1. Physically, 2. Verbally, 3. Mentally Each of these three are further divided into three more ways: 1. By not doing themselves the above five tasks, 2. By not asking anyone else to do the above five tasks, 3. By not encouraging anyone else to do the above five tasks.
If monks and nuns get involved in a social-economic life styles, they are defeating the whole purpose of their renunciation. Involvement in worldly affairs would amount to breaking their vows, since they are supposed to be involved in spiritual uplift. Because of their detachment and spiritual uplift, monks and nuns are considered a part of the Panch Parmesthy (the five supreme beings), that we recite in the Namokār Mantra.
Monks and nuns no longer consider anyone their fathers or mothers. They interact with them the same way they interact with any other householder. Similarly, they have given up other relationships like a husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter. They have also given up all their belongings like money, houses, cars, jewelry or anything else that belongs to them.
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