Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

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The Jaina Path Of Ahirisā
practised by the householders as an Aņuvrata, i.e, a small vow, to limited extent.
(2) Observance of Ahiṁsā according to capacity.
Further, it is not enjoined upon a person to observe thoroughly all rules of conduct pertaining to a particular stage in life. It has been specifically mentiond in the sacred Jaina text of "Purushārthasiddhi-. upāya" that
एवं सम्यगदर्शनबोधचरित्रत्रयात्मको नित्यम् । PRATI HTETAPIT Hafa feit ERAT:1120
that is, "the three-fold path of liberation, consisting of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, is to be constantly followed by a person according to his capacity.” It is clear that the emphasis has been laid on the term “Yathāsakti”, i.e., according to one's own capacity.
In a similar strain it has been advocated in the same sacred text that
जिनपुङगवप्रवचने मुनीश्वराणां यदुक्तमाचरणम्। face PGT yaet had a F ACT || 200
that is, “having due regard to one's own status and capacity, a householder stivuiú practise the conduct of saint, as described in the scriptures". Here the householders have been advised to follow the rules of right conduct after properly taking into account their respective statuses in life and their individual potentialities and capacities to sustain the rigorous discipline inherent in the practice of the right conduct.
Hence it is clear that the Anuvrata, i. e., the small vow of Ahińsā has to be put into actual practice by the householders in keeping with their status and capacity.
(3) Observance of Ahimsā by Householders :
When Ahiṁsā is to be observed by householders in accordance with their status and capacity while performing their normal functions as members of different occupational or other groups of society, naturally certain limitations arise. As an active member of society it is not possible for a householder to avoid Hirirsā in all possible ways and to the fullest extent. According to Jainism the renunciation of Hirsā can be either complete or partial. In this connection it has been specifically