Jainism

Author(s): Vallabh Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabh Smarak Nidhi

Page 43

Sutra, the Dashavaikalika, the Uttaradhyayana and the Tattvarthadhigami Sutra etc,
Shravakas and Shravikas-pale and female householders-are also expected to follow these vows, though in a somewhat modified form. They have to practise some other important vows also. They take no food after sunset. They are enjoined to earn their livelihood in a just manner; to help the needy and the poor, to show reverence to the ascetic order, to study religious scriptures and to be tolerant to other faiths. Monogamy, and that also with the practice of self-restraint, is regarded as the ideal form of marriage. Honest dealings are emphasized. One Acharya has said:
Even the virtuous cannot accumulate heaps of wealth by honest earnings. Has any one seen the rivers flooded with pure water ?11
Honest and just living does not lead to hoarding. By it one can earn only enough to make both ends meet. Jain householders in general have been peace loving, faithful and upright throughout their history. Their rules of conduct can be learned in detail from the Upasakadasha
11 GUNA-BHADRA : Armanushasana, 45.