Book Title: Jains Today in World
Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Page 262
________________ Their Ascetics : 217 2) the vow of absolute abstention from falsehood (uttama satya vrata). This is not only to never tell lies but also to not deceive, speak ill of somebody or use cutting remarks, to avoid exaggeration, conceit and vulgarity which are types of violence towards oneself and the others. It is always required to have friendly, kind, sincere, compassionate words for everyone, to pay heed to this vow and to avoid other people who may be vulgar, cutting, deceiving, by ones fault, 3) the vow of absolute honesty (uttama asteya vrata). It is for an ascetic to renounce any longing, temptation or desire for all that is not given. It is necessary to have no dishonest intent, to search solitude, to not cause other people trouble with demands or impatience. For Śvetāmbara ascetics, this vow implies to always show the “guru' the collected food and ask his (her) permission to consume what is left after having given their portions to the others and to use nothing without his "guru's" or her "guruni's" consent, etc 4) the vow of absolute chastity and purity (uttama brahmacarya vrata). The Jain ascetics must abstain, during their life time, from the least sexual activity, from any thought, word, or act that would not respect directly or indirectly, voluntary or not, this vow. They must not listen to provocative stories, avoid hot food, never think about past pleasures, and abandon all exciting things, perfumes, and cosmetics all that might render one desirable to others. For some ascetics this even means to not wash the body and brush the teeth, so that to have no attractive aspect. 5) the vow of absolute renouncement to property, persons and goods (uttama aparigraha vrata). Digambara monks, who have perfected this, renounce every thing, including clothes, like Mahāvīra did. To have a liking for a person, a thing, a state, leads to passion, violence, love, hate, sexual gratification, all of which are deceptive and illusory. They give way to pride, jealousy, etc. This vow is Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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