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thirsty he does not take water and instead adopts other various types of treat-ments producing cooling effect or he gives up Ghee (clarified butter) and instead eats other oily substances effortfully. Similarly, one should know about other conventional observances.
If the Parishahas (afflictions) could not be endured, the carnal desires were not overcome, why did he then take such type of vow? Why should one engage himself in such activities which might result in giving up simple means of satisfying one's desire and involve oneself in complicated means of satisfying desires? On the other hand, in such states, the attachment feeling gets intensified there.
Further, when misery is felt in observing vows then, for engaging one's attention, he thinks of other recourses. For example, after accepting the vow of fast he starts playing games; many wicked persons indulge in vicious activities like gambling, etc. or keep on sleeping. They knowingly and will-fully want to pass time anyhow. Similarly, one should know about other vows.
There are many wicked persons who first take the vow but when they feel afflicted by it then they give it up. Taking and giving up of vow is a mere sport for them, but breaking of vow is great sin. It would be better if such persons do not take a vow. In this way, the Vyavaharaabhasis first take the vow thoughtlessly and later on get involved in such state of affairs.
In Jain religion not taking a vow is not punishable. The preaching of Jain religion is that one should first know the real nature of Tattvas; afterwards whatever object he forsakes he should know its flaws and should know the merit involved in such forsaking; then he should modify his thoughts accordingly; should not take a vow merely on the strength of present thoughts only, rather should take the vow after being convinced of sustaining it in future and should also take into consideration his physical strength as well as suitability of environment related with substance, region, time and feelings etc. In this way, one should take a vow after giving due thoughts to all these things. Further, the vow taken too, should be of such a degree which would not cause feelings of disrespect towards it, and on the other hand would accelerate the feelings of taking higher
vows. Such is the tradition of Jain religion. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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