Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 47

IMPLEMENTATION OF AHIMSA-VRATA
The Ahiṁsā-vrata, i. e., the vow of Ahimsā, has not only been elaborated in theory in Jaina scriptures, as outlined above, but it has also been implemented in practice to a very large extent by the followers of Jainism - both ascetics and householders. It has been enjoined upon the ascetics to observe the Ahiṁsā-vrata as a Malāvrata, i. e., a great vow, and this religious injunction has been very meticulously observed from ancient times to the present day by the Jaina Sādhus and Sādhvis, i.e., monks and nuns. However, the Jaina scriptures, from the practical point of view, allowed the Srāvakas and the Srāvikās, i. e., the male and female sections of the laity, viz., the householders, to observe the Ahiṁsā-vrata as an Aņuvrata, i.e, a small vow. As such, the householders were required to observe the Ahiṁsā-vrata with comparatively less severity but at the same time without transgressing the basic tenets of Ahimsā. Naturally this fundamental requirement made it necessary for the householders to put a number of restrictions on their economic, social, cultural and other activities connected with their livelihood and maintenance. This kind of specific implementation of Ahimsa-vrata can be very clearly noticed from the practical restrictions and conventions actually followed by the Jaina householders in their activities like occupations and professions, food and drink, and dress and decoration.
(1) Occupations and Professions.
From the present state of Jainas it appears that a predominantly large majority of them is engaged in some kind of business. They are known as Baniyas or Vaniyas and are included under the Vaisyas. The predominance of Vaisyas is, historically speaking, a comparatively recent development because in ancient times Jainas were found in all classes and especially among the Kshatriyas. But due to various reasons the number of Jainas in other classes gradually dwindled and in