Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 30

7
THE CONCEPT OF 'HIMSA'
Among the 'twelve vratas or vows prescribed for continuous observance in daily life by Jaina religion, the first five vratas or vows are regarded as the main vratas or vows and even among these main vratas or vows the first and the prominent position has been assigned to the vrata or vow of Ahimsa. Since this Ahimsa-vrata is based on the fundamental principle of avoidance of or abstention from Himsā, i.c., injury to sentient beings, it is quite necessary to understand the concept of Himisă as delineated by Jainism.
(1) Himsă: 'Sthula' and 'Sükshma'
In Jaina scriptures a distinction has been made between 'Sthula Himsa' and 'Sukshma Himsa'. The 'Sthula Himsa entails the destruction of the higher forms of life from dvindriyas, i.c., two-sensed beings upwards and it is forbidden to all Jainas. On the other hand, the 'Sukshma Himsa' means taking of life in any form including even the killing of ekendriyas, i.e., one sensed beings and it is obligatory for the Jaina ascetics to abstain from this kind of Himsa. The lay Jaina is also enjoined to avoid as far as possible the killing of ekendriyas, i.c., one-sensed beings and the useless destruction of Sthavara-Jivas, i.e., immobile souls.
(2) Himsā: 'Dravya' and 'Bhāva'
It has been stated that Hinsä does not depend on acts alone: the vrata or vow will be broken merely by the absence of compassion shown when a man allows himself to be carried away by anger. Hence a distinction has been made between Dravya Himsa, i.e., the actual hurt or injury and Bhāva Himsā, i.e., the intention to hurt or injury to the Prana meaning vitality.
(3) Himsa: 'Bahya' and 'Antargata'
In Jaina scriptures Himsa is also classified on the basis of 'Bahya' i.e. external aspects and 'Antargata', i.e., internal aspects. Obviously the