Jainism For Beginners Level 02

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 47

Jain
HOUSEHOLDERS
(Shravaks & Shravikas)
adhus and Sadhvis are very keen
to uplift of their souls and hence they sacrifice all worldly enjoyments and family relationships, and adopt the five great vows (Maha-vratas).
because they enhance and purify the effect of the five main vows and raise their value manyfold. It also governs the external conduct of an individual.
JAIN HOUSEHOLDERS (SHRAVAKS&SHRAVIKAS)
For those who want to remain in family life, the complete avoidance of the five principle sins are difficult. For them Jain ethics specifies the following twelve vows to be earned out by the householder.
The last four are called disciplinary Vows (Shiksha-vratas). They are intended to encourage the person in the performance of their religious duties They reflect the purity of one's heart, They govern one's internal life and are expressed in a life marked by charity. They are preparatory to the discipline of an ascetic's life.
Of these twelve vows the first five are main vows of limited nature (Anuvratas) They are somewhat easier in comparison with great vows (Maha-vratas). The great vows are for the ascetics.
The three merit vows (Gunavrata) and four disciplinary vows (Shikshavratas) together are known as the seven vows of virtuous conduct (Shila). A person may adopt these vows, according to his 39
The next three vows are known as merit vows (Guna-Vratas), so called