Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1997 11 YJA Regional Convention

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

Page 40

For practical purposes, right conduct comprises ethical codes, rules, and disciplines, which a human being is required to pursue for the ultimate freedom.
This resolves into taking the five great vows of an ascetic or five limited vows of householder.
Non-violence Truth Non-stealing Chastity Non-possession/Non-attachment
- Ahimsa - Satya - Achaurya - Brahmacharya - Aparigraha
Right faith and right knowledge are required for right conduct, and all are interdependent.
Jains dedicate themselves to proper conduct through vows and subvows. Vows are at the heart of Jain morality and are undertaken with a full knowledge of their nature and a determination to carry them through.
The trinity is necessary for a successful life. This threefold discipline helps us realize our own intrinsic purity. The trinity must be cultivated collectively to ensure liberation. Individually, they are incomplete and insufficient because they are mutually dependent. In isolation, perception, knowledge or conduct causes conflicts or tensions and vitiates the environment. Collectively, the three jewels produce harmony, contentment, and blissfulness with the progressive march of the soul to higher planes.
An individual, in his conduct can be guided by the examples of five benevolent personalities (panch parameshthi). They are:
Supreme human beings Pure or perfect souls Master teachers Scholarly monks Ascetics
- Arihantas - Siddhas - Acharyas - Upadhyayas - Sadhus
Arihantas are human beings who have realized perfect vision, knowledge, power, and bliss. They have preached the religion principles, philosophy of life, and the path of liberation. At the end of their human life they will be totally liberated and will become siddhas.
Siddhas are souls that are completely free from karmic bondage and have attained liberation. They are body less and live in Moksha at the top of the universe (lokakash).
Both arihantas and siddhas are the Gods of Jain religions. At present in the absence of arihantas, ascetics (acharyas, upadhyayas, and sadhus) provide the spiritual guidance.
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Jain Education Intemational