Jain Theism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Hemant Shah

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Jain Theism is the attainment of salvation or Moksa."20 Ethical discipline (ĀcāraDharma) brings about both the spiritual purification and social fitness and thus it becomes an important aspect of Jainism.
"Righteous conduct has two forms: (1) with partial nonattachment (2) with complete non-attachment. Former is observed by the nonks (Sādhus)."?! Apart from minor differences, virtually the two forms of code of conduct differ only in its intensity. The Jain Tirtharkaras were aware of human weaknesses. They knew that the path of renunciation is not easy for all to follow. Hence they preached and propagated two sets of rules of conduct- one for househo the other for monks. We will, of course, for the sake of brevity and preciseness, discuss these rules in general to get the real nature and signficance of Jain ethics.
Good conduct is briefly described in Jainism as refraining from what is harmful and doing what is beneficial. In other words, a good conduct is "what helps the self to get rid of Karmas that lead him to bondage and suffering."2 The code of rules for the stoppage of the influx of Karmas and for the eradication of the old one to purify the soul, are composed and named as (1) Pañch-Mahāvrata' or five great vows (2) Practice extreme carefulness (Samiti) in walking, speaking,
receiving alms and other things, and answering call of nature so as to avoid any harm to any life,
Practice restraint (Gupti) of thought, speech and bodily movements, (4) Practice Dharma of ten different kinds, namely, forgiveness,
humility, straightforwardness, truthfulness, cleanliness, self-restraint, austerity (internal and external). sacrifice, non-attachment and
celibacy. (5) Meditate on the cardinal truths taught regarding the self and the
world.
20. Prof. P. R. Jain, Fundamentals of Jainism, Essay pub. in Jainsm', p. 36 21. Shrimad Vijaya Laxmansurishverji Maharaj, Atma Tatva Vichāra or Phi. of Soul,
(1963) p. 516 22. अशुभात् विनिवृत्ति शुभे प्रवृत्ति च जानीटि चारित्रम् ।
Wafufufa fa Qar FC Z fwfOTA 11 D.S. 45 23. Prof. S. C. Chatterjee & Datta, An Introduction to Indian Philosophy (1968)
p. 106