________________
Pancasila
[ 161
pure-knowership. The English word 'celibacy' is therefore, not competent in comprehending the real meaning of Brahmacarya. However, if the word celibacy is understood in a widersense, the concept of Brahmacarya can be substantially brought out. Jainism, as well as all Indian religions, emphasize that some ethical principle must be followed not merely in action, but also in mind and speech, that is, Manasa, Vaca, Karmana. To observe celibacy in word and spirit one should have control over his mind and in his food, clothing and the whole life-style, because, a life of luxury is totally unsuited for celibacy. A wavering mind and a mind which falls prey to worldly temptations is never capable of remaining firm in sex life. Out of all material enjoyments, sex enjoyment is most vitally connected with psychology and emotions. Sex discipline is therefore vitally connected with psychic and emotional disciplines. Therefore, if we are successful in disciplining our psychic and emotional currents in day to day life, we would actually be moving towards our own self and that would be the real Brahmacarya.
To a western mind the concept of Brahmacarya is limited only to the abstention from actual sex. By and large, the western philosophers have not appreciated the Indian concept of Brahmacarya. Though some western religions do give importance to celibacy, they have not gone deep into the question why celibacy is important for spiritual development and what are its parameters. Indian seers have gone very deep into these questions and have come to the conclusion that for achieving spiritual heights a complete observance of the code of Brahmacarya is quite essential. Mahavira's Contribution
Unlike Buddha, Maha vīra was not the founder of Jainism but only an ardent follower of pre-vedic Śramana tradition. Its penultimate prophet was Pārsvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainas. Parsvanatha's tradition was known as Caturyāma, i. e., a tradition of four-fold vows. These four-fold
11
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
