Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

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PRACTICABILITY OF AHIŃSĀ
Since Jainism has prescribed the doctrine of Ahinisā as its cardinal principle, the entire Juina ethical code has been laid down with a view to transforming this principle into actual practice. As a result maximum importance has been attached to the observance of Ahiris i a basis of right conduct leading to the attainment of salvation. Further, taking into account the comprehensive nature of the doctrint of Ahimsā and the necessity of carefulness required in putting the doctrine into practice, the Jaina scriptures have specifically prescribed the rules of conduct to the minutest details in connection with the observance of the vow of Ahiṁsā in all its aspects and in making it as faultless as possible. But realising extremely wide theoretical dimensions of these rules of conduct and the minute implications involved in the actual observance of these rules af conduct continuously and without any possible fault, a question is sometimes raised about the Practicabilityof the vow of Ahimsā. It is feared that it would be difficult to put the vow of Ahinsa into practice. But from a close examination of the injuctions laid down by Jaina scriptures for the actual observance of the vow of Ahirsā it can be seen that the fear is quite unfounded.
(1) Categorisation of Vow of Ahiṁsā :
It is true that the rules of conduct laid down by Jainism for the attainment of salvation, the highest goal in life, are the same for all people. But at the same time it is a fact that these rules have been divided into two categories, viz., 'Sakala Chāritra', i.e, full conduct, and ‘Vikala Chāritra', i. e., partial conduct, and that while the first category is meant for the observance by the ascetics, the second category is allowed for the observance by the householders or the common people. That is why in the most celebrated sacred Jaina text “Purushärthasiddhi-upāya”, the householders have been advised to