Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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Violence is mainly of three-fold, i.e.i) committed by himself (Krta), ii) that which is committed by others (Karita), and iii) giving consent to violence done (Anumodana). This violence should be avoided by either of the three agencies of mind, speech and body. By this way a layman starts his steps towards equality and equanimity. The true householder should be kind to animals. He should not bind, beat and mutilate their limbs. He should not overload them and withhold food and drink. Another point should also be cleared in this respect. Jainism is very firm and says that one should not sacrifice animals for the adoration of gods, being dominated by the perverted notion of receiving benediction in return. It is inconceivable how the gods seek satisfaction and serenity from such inhuman deeds which cause unbearable pain to the animals. It must
ot be obligatory to kill the animals for the entertainment of guests, a pious design by impious means".
All the other vows are intended to safeguard non-violence, speaking what is not commendable is falsehood. Preparing false records prompted by others in order to cheat others, misappropriation, proclaiming other's thoughts etc. are included into the ambit of falsehood which should be avoided in practice. Asteya means not taking the property of others whether pledged or dropped or forgotten unless it has been given. He again should not be indulged in activities like receiving stolen things, using false weights and measures, deceiving others with artificial or imitation goods. Unchastity and excess accumulation of wealth etc. are also prohibited to the Jaina householder. These observations should be in practice to make justice and create congenial atmosphere and relationship between fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy. Ordering someone to bring something illegally from outside the country is also prohibited for householders.
Rendering help to one another is the basis to the formula of Jaina discipline. Some more supplementary vows are prescribed for householders which pave the way for their spiritual elevation with a view to having socio-economic justice. For instance, to curb the mentality of master-minding operations aimed at enlarging one's wealth or concentrating their economic power to achieve greater exploitative capacity Jainism directs the householder to fix boundaries for business, not to pursue commercial activities causing injury to living beings, to extend hospitality by offering food, implements, medicine and shelter and to bestow one's posses
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