Jainism and Democracy

Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: I A S S Jain Conference New Delhi

Page 46

PANCHA SILA
attachment to fine clothes. Mahavira did not like it. and therefore, stressed upon nakedness. It shows that Mahavira, being very keen on one attachment, could introduce non-possession and not celibacy as the fifth vow.
'Buddhism, accepts abstinence from all intoxicants in place of non-possession. But, there is no doubt about its later introduction. Because, the first four Shilas are always found together while the fifth is many times omitted.
Moreover, celibacy is the fundamental code of ascetic tradition. It is, inconceivable, particularly for a sect following the severest form of asceticism, to leave it altogether.
It means that the earliest form of ethical code consists of the first four precepts only and non-possession is a later addition. But, the ethical code of the ancient Vedic Aryans was somewhat different. It was national and aimed at material prosperity. The ideal of spiritual development in it, is later development. A national ethics prescribes one code of behaviour with the members of its own class and a differnt one for others. The above-mentioned four precepts were good as long as the mutual behaviour of vedic Aryans was concerned. But, they were not recommended in dealing with the aborigenes. Moreover, the fifth vow of aparigraha went against the very spirit of Vedic ritualism. A society striving for material prosperity cannot favour an ideal like non-possession. Roughly, the Vedic religion enjoins threefold duty i.e. sacrifice, study and gifts to Brahamanas. Of course, truth, penance, patience, forebearance