Jainism and Democracy

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

Page 83

70
JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
did nothing on the practical side. He was not expected to observe any vows or practise restraints necessary for self-purification. This start is made in the fifth gunasthāna. It is attained after subduing Apratyākhyānāvarana i.e. the second degree of passions. Here, the: aspirant is expected to purify his heart every four months. He takes the vows of a householder and leaves the acts of gross violence, falsehood, theft and sexual blesphemy. In short he is expected to refrain from all acts amountable to a crime. He must obey the laws of state breaking of which amounts to theft. In addition he should fix limits for his possessions. He should prepare a list of everything he wants to own for his personal use and should not go beyond the limit fixed therein. It is also expected that he should go on curtailing that: list and have daily scrutinization. He should also fix: limits in all the directions for his economic or political exploitations. Further, a Shrāvaka, as the householder is called in this stage, observes some vows or penances. for self purification as his daily or periodical duties. He is generous to a guest of good conduct and serves him with food and other necessities with a heart full of devotion.
The Jain srāvakas held an honourable position in society as well as state in the past. They were trusted by the state in all confidential matters and approached by other persons for proper advice and other help. The Uvāsogadasāo describes the conduct of ten householder devotees of Mahāvīra. They were city fathers in real sense.
The sixth guṇasthāna is Pramatta sanyata. The