Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 59

12
CAREFULNESS IN AHIṀSĀ
The sacred Jaina texts have not only propounded the comprehensive and all inclusive character of the doctrine of Ahimsa and revealed how the basic principle of Ahimsa is present in all the five main and seven supplementary vows prescribed for the observance of Jaina householders, but have also stressed emphatically the dire necessity of exercising utmost care by the Jaina householders in the actual observance of Ahimsa in their daily life. It has been specifically laid down that the prescribed twelve vows should be observed both in proper spirit and action. In this connection it has been recommended to avoid the mental and behavioural faults or defects in the observance of the Vratas, i.e., vows. These defects are mentioned as follows:
अतिक्रमो मानसशुद्धिहानिः व्यतिक्रमो यो विषयाभिलाषः ।
तथातिचार करणालसत्वम् भइगो ह्यनाचारमिह व्रतानाम् ॥
that is, "In the observance of vows, when there is loss of purity of mind, it is called ‘atikrama', i.e., contravention; when there is craving for sensual pleasure, it is said to be 'vyatikrama', i.e., violation; when there is laxity or idleness, it is known as 'atichara', i.e, transgression; and when there is, in fact, a breach or break, it is termed as 'anāchāra', i.e., immorality or improper conduct.'
In these categories of faults or defects, special prominence has been given to the avoidance of 'atichāras' so as to make the observance of Ahimsa more complete and at the same time more meaningful. The main purpose of this injunction is to maintain the purity of the Ahimsa in all its aspects and phases involved in the observance of the twelve