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Five Samitis
The word Samiti, coming from the root Vi (to go) with 'sam' prefix, means vigilance in behaviour.1 Negligence (pramāda) lies at the root of all sins and, therefore, constant vigilance is necessary to avoid them. Here again, it is emphasised that the best and perfect form of vigilance, from niscaya point of view, is the state of trance where the self becomes identical with its own nature; but from vyavahāra point of view, vigilance is five-fold :
Jaina Ethics
1. Iryāsamiti
While moving, the monk should be careful about the following five points2
(1) He should traverse only that path which is free from ants, seed, green vegetables, mud, etc. The path which is repeatedly trodden by vehicles and by other people or which is scorched by the sun or which is ploughed should be regarded fit for movement.4
(2) He should move about only in day-light.5 Moonlight or artificial lights of lamps etc. are not capable of properly showing small insects which may be lying in the path.
(3) The monk should abstain from the objects of five senses and should devote his full attention towards his steps, while moving, so that no living being is injured through carelessness."
(4) The monk should not move about for purposes other than religious. He should move for a pilgrimage, for a visit to the teacher, for religious discussion and for preaching of dharma only.8
(5) The monk should move always looking forward on
1. Jayasena on Pravacanasara, 3.40.
2.
Mulacara, 5.106. Also Bhagavati Ārādhanā, 1191; Uttaradhyayana, 24.4; Tattvärthasara, 6.7.
3. Aparajita and Āśādhara on Bhagavati Ārādhanā, 1191.
4. Mülācāra, 5.108-109.
5. Mulācāra, 11. Also Niyamasāra, 61 and Uttaradhyayana, 24.5.
6. Aparajita on Bhagavatī Ārādhanā, 1191.
7. Aparajita and Asadhara on Bhagavati Ārādhanā, 1191; Also Uttaradhyayana, 24.5.
8. Aparajita on Bhagavati Ārādhanā, 1191.
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