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 47

One must impose a limit on one's needs, acquisitions, and possessions such as land, real estate, goods, other valuables, animals, money, etc. The surplus should be used for the common good. One must also limit the every day usage of number of food items, or articles and their quantity.
This Jain principle of limited possession for householders helps in equitable distribution of wealth, comforts, etc., in the society. Thus Jainism helps in establishing socialism, economic stability, and welfare in the world.
Non-possession, like non-violence, affirms the oneness of all life and is beneficial to an individual in his spiritual growth and to the society for the redistribution of wealth.
6. Dik Vrata - Limited Area of Activity Vow
This vow limits one's worldly activities to certain area in all the ten directions; north, south, east, west, north-east, north-west, south-east, south-west, above and below. He gives up committing sins in any place outside the limited areas of his worldly activity. This vow provides a space limit to the commitments of sins not restricted by the limited vows of non-violence. Thus outside the limited area, the limited vows assumes the status of full vow (Maha-vratas).
7. Bhoga-Upbhoga Vrata - Limited use of Consumable / Non-consumable items vow
Generally one commits the sin by one's use or enjoyment of consumable (Bhoga) and non-consumable (Upbhoga) things.
Consumable (Bhoga) means enjoyment of an object, which can only be used once, such as food and drink.
Non-consumable (Upabhoga) means enjoyment of an object, which can be used several times, such as furniture, cloths, ornaments, buildings etc.
One should, therefore, limit the use of these two items in accordance with one's need and capacity by taking these vows.
This vow provides the time limit to the commitments of sins not restricted by Aparigraha Anuvrata.
8. Anartha-danda Vrata - Avoidance of Purposeless Sins Vow
One must not commit unnecessary or purposeless sin or moral offense as defined below.
Thinking, talking, or preaching evil or ill of others Doing inconsiderate or useless acts such as walking on the grass unnecessarily Manufacturing or supplying arms for attack Reading or listening, improper literature, or carelessness in ordinary behavior 36
Jain Education Intemational