Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 66

Practicability Of Ahirsā
53
follow in a partial manner the rules of conduct throughtout their life-time in the following terms:
इति रत्नत्रयमेतत् प्रतिसमयं विकलमपि गृहस्थेन । of Hari PARCUIT CATECIT 11 209
that is, “the path of Ratna-Traya, the three Jewels, (i.e., of Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct) should be followed, even partially, every moment of time and without cessation by a householder desirous of everlasting liberation.”
It is thus clear that the "Sakala Chāritra', i.e., the full conduct, is meant for the ascetics and the 'Vikala Chāritra', i.e, the partial conduct, for the householders. This kind of division or categorization has been done because the "Sakala Chāritra', is possible only for those who have entered the ascetic order and the ‘Vikala Chāritra' can be practised by the householders until they join the ascetic order at a later time. It means that 'Vikala Chāritra' is a prelude to 'Sakala Charitra'. In other words, "Vikala Chāritra' involves ‘Ekadesa-virati', i. e, partia! renunciation, and Sakala Charitra', involves 'Samasta-virati', i.e, total or absolute renunciation. Hence in the same sacred text 'Purushārthasiddhi-upāya' it is recommended that those who are not prepared to adopt the order of ascetics, should follow for the time being the stage of ‘Ekadesa-virati', i.e, partial renunciation. It states that
बहश: समस्तविरतिं प्रदर्शितां यो न जातु गण्हाति। तस्यैकदेशविरति: कथनीयाऽनेन बीजेन ।। 17
that is, “He who, in spite of repeated dissertations, is unable to accept the path of absolute renunciation, should, in that event, be lectured upon (and advised to follow) partial renunciation”.
It is, therefore, quite evident that even though the rules of conduct are the same for all people, they are to be followed stage by stage. Accordingly all vows, including the vow of Ahimsā, have been divided into two categories, viz., 'Anuvratas', i.e, small vows, and 'Mahāvratas', i.e, great vows. The house holders have to practise the former and the ascetics the latter. Similar is the case with other observances. Moderation is the key-note of householder's life and severity of saintly discipline. The important hallmark of Jaina ethics is the fact that a graduated course is prescribed with a view to make it possible for every person to observe all rules of conduct by tolerably easy gradations. Hence it follows that the vow of Ahimsā has to be