Jaina Path of Ahimsa

Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir Research Centre

Page 28

The Twelve Vratas' Or Vows
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the ascetics. Laymen, however, cannot observe the vows so strictly and therefore, they are allowed to practise them so far as their conditions permit. The same vratas or vows when partially observed are termed as Anuvratas', i.e., small or partial vows.
Again, for the fixing of these five vows in the mind, there are five kinds of Bhāvanas or attendant meditations for each of the vows and every Jaina is expected to think over them again and again.
Further, every Jaina must meditate that the five faults meant to be avoided in these vows are pain personified and are of dangerous and censurable character in this as well as in the next world.
Moreover, every Jaina must meditate upon the following four virtues which are based upon the observance of theșe five vows. :
1) Maitri, i. e., Friendship with all living beings, 2) Pramoda, i. e., Delight at the sight of beings, better qualified or
more advanced than ourselves on the path of liberation, 3) Kärunya, i. e., compassion for the afflicted beings, and 4) Madhyastha, i. e., Tolerance or indifference to those who are
uncivil or ill-behaved.
Along with these five main vows or vratas, there are seven Silavratas or supplementary vows. It has been asserted that just as the encircling walls guard towns, so do supplementary vows protect Aņuvratas or small vows. Hence it has been specifically laid down that in order to practise the main vratas or vows, the Silavratas, supplementary vows, also must be practised by the laity among the Jainas.
The seven Silavratas or supplementary vows are:
1) Digvrata, i. e., Taking a lifelong vow to limit his worldly activity to fixed points in all directions,
2) Desavrata, i. e., Taking a vow to limit the above also for a limited area,
3) Anarthadanda-vrata, i. e., Taking a vow not to commit purposeless sins,
4) Sāmāyika, i.e., Taking a vow to devote particular time everyday to contemplation of the self for spiritual advancement,
5) Proshadhopavāsa, i.e., Taking a vow to fast on four days of the month, namely, the two 8th and the two 14th days of the lunar fortnight,