Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 42

SUPPLEMENTS TO AHIMSA-VRATA
Along with various restrictions laid down as necessary elements in the observance of the vow of Ahimsā, certain specific virtues, reflections and controls or sufferings are also prescribed by sacred Jaina texts as supplements to the practice of Ahińsā-vrata. These supplements are
1) Ten Kinds of Dharma, 2) Twelve kinds of Anupreksha, and 3) Twenty-two kinds of Parishaha-jaya,
and these are considered specifically useful in achieving Samvara, i.e., stoppage of influx of Karmic matter into the soul, which is a necessary condition to the attainment of Moksha or salvation. These supplements constitute a part of the rules of conduct prescribed for the saints. But it has been particularly mentioned that these should be followed by householders also to the best of their capacity.
(1) Dasalakshana Dharma:
The ten noble virtues, known as 'Dasalakshana Dharma', are expected to be assiduously cultivated and put into actual practice during their normal life by the followers of Jainism. Since the emphasis has been laid on the translation of the virtues into practice, these ten virtues are known as ten observances also. The ten noble virtues are:
1. Uttama-Kshamā, i.e., Supreme Forgiveness or Forbearance, 2. Uttama-Mārdava, i.e., Supreme humility or tenderness, 3. Uttama-Ārjava, i.e., supreme honesty or straight forwardness, 4. Uttama-Saucha, i.e., Supreme contentment or purity of thought
and freedom from greed, 5. Uttama-Satya, i.e. Supreme truth, 6. Uttama-Sanyama, i.e., Supreme self-control or self-restraint, 7. Uttama-Tapa, i..e, Supreme austerities,