Jaina Path of Ahimsa

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

Page 68

Practicability Of Ahimsa
stated in the authoritative Jaina sacred text "Purushārthasiddhi-upāya” as follows:
कृतकारितानुमतैर्वाक्कायमनोभिरिष्यते नवधा । औत्सर्गिकी निवृत्तिर्विचित्ररूपापवादिकी त्वेषा ।। 76
that is, "Renunciation of nine-fold commission of Himsā, by self, through agent, and approval, by speech, body and mind, is known as Autsargiki Nivṛtti, i.e, Perfect or Complete Renunciation, and the other renunciation is termed as Apavādikī Nivṛtti, i.e., Imperfect or Partial Renunciation, which is of various kinds."
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It means that Ahimsā in either Autsargiki Nivṛtti, or Apavādikī Nivrtti. The Autsargiki Nivṛtti has been defined as complete Ahimsā in nine ways, that is, by self, through another person, or by means of approbation, and in each case through mind, body or speech. That which is not complete is Apavadiki Nivṛtti, and its degrees and forms are innumerable, varying from the slightest to that which just falls short of being complete.
For a householder it is not possible to practise complete renunciation of Himsā, and therefore he is recommended to discharge his worldly responsibilities with taking the necessary precaution of causing minimum Himsa or injury to others. For giving more practical guidance in this matter Himsa has been classified, according to the mental attitude of the individual, into four kinds, viz.,
(a) Udyami Himsā, i.e., industrial injury,
(b) Grahārambhi Himsā, i.e., domestic injury,
(c) Virodhi Himsa, i.e, defensive or protective injury, and (d) Samkalpi Himsā, i.e., intentional injury.
Udyami Himsa is the Himsa performed in the exercise of one's profession or occupation whether of a solider, or an agriculturist, or a trader, or an industrialist. Grahārambhi Himsa is that which is unavoidably committed in the performance of necessary domestic duties, such as preparation of food, keeping the things clean, grinding floor, building a house, constructing a well, walking, bathing and similar other performances of daily life. Virodhi Himsa is that Himsa which is unavoidably committed in the defence of person and property against assailants and enemies. Samkalpi Himsa is that Himsa which is committed intentionally or knowingly, for example, killing men, animals or other lower creatures for food, amusement, decoration, etc.