Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 36

AHIMSA-VRATA, i.e., THE VOW OF “AHIMSĀ”
Since the very idea of Hiṁsā, i.e., injury to sentient beings, in any form has been considered quite abominable and has been condemned in strongest possible terms in Jaina philosophy, the ethical code laid down for the Jainas has given maximum importance to the observance of the Ahimsa-Vrata, i.e., the vow of Ahimsā, which puts into practice the principle of avoidance of Himsā in actual life. Naturally, Jainism has assigned the first position to the vow of Ahiṁsā among the five main vows prescribed for continuous observance by its followers. It is, therefore, necessary to see and understand the various aspects and implications of the Jaina vow of Ahiṁsā.
(1) Ahimsā Mahārvrata :
Ahimsā, i.e., avoidance of Himsā, has been treated as the first of the five Mahāvratas, i. e., great vows, prescribed by Jaina religion and this Ahiṁsā Mahāvrata has been defined in 'Ratnakarandaśrävakächüra' in following terms :
पंचानां पापानां हिंसादिनां मनोवच:कायैः ।
thiraimhde TRTT HEISIT HENTH || 4772 that is, "abstaining from the commission of five sins, himsā and the rest in their three forms, krita, kärita and anumodana, with the mind, speech and the body constitutes the Mahā-vrata of great ascetics".
It means that the Ahimsā Mahāvrata involves the avoidance of Hiṁsā, i.e., injury to sentient beings in every possible manner. The Himsā can be committed by three kinds of Yoga, i.e., modes or means viz., of mind, speech and body. In other words, injurious activity can be committed
a) mentally, i.e., by mind, in thought,