Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

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The Jaina Path Of Ahimsā
1) Asi, i.e., the profession of a soldier, 2) Masi, i.e., the profession of a writer, 3) Krshi, i.e., the profession of an agriculturist, 4) Vānijya, i.e., the profession of a trader, 5) Silpa, i.e., the profession of an artisan, and 6) Vidyā, i.e., the profession of an intellectual.
(b) Grhārambhi Himsā is the kind of injury which is invariably committed in the performance of necessary domestic acts, such as preparation of food, keeping the house, body, clothes and other things clean, construction of buildings, wells, gardens, and other structures, keeping cattle, etc.
(c) Virodhi Himsā is the kind of injury which is necessarily committed in defence of person and property, against thieves, robbers, dacoits, assailants and enemies, in meeting their aggression, and in causing the least possible injury, necessary in the circumstances, in which one may find oneself.
Thus, in general, Hinisā is divided into four kinds, viz., 1. Udyami Himsā, i.e, industrial injury, 2. Grhārambhi Himsā, i..e, domestic injury, 3. Virodhi Hinsā, i.e., defensive injury, and 4. Samkalpi Hiinsā, i.e. intentional injury
In this regard it has been ordained by Jaina religion that one, who has renounced all household connection and has adopted the discipline of a saint, should avoid all the four kinds of Himsā. At the same time it has also been laid down that one, who is still in the householder's stage, should abstain from Sankalpi Hiṁsā, i.e., intentional injury, and should try one's best to avoid three kinds of Arambhi Himsā, i.e., occupational injury, as far as it is possible, since it is quite unable for a householder to abstain completely from Arambhi Hissā.
(7) Denunciation of Himsā
Taking into account the bad and reprehensible nature of Hiṁsā, the Jaina sacred texts have condemned the observance of Hirsā in strongest possible terms. In the 'Achāranga Sūtra' it has been specifically mentioned that as Hinisā is a great impediment in spiritual awakening, a person who indulges in doing injury to living beings will not get enlightment and it has been asserted that
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