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family and social obligations, and their own preparedness and will power to finally renounce the world. In the meantime, developing an outlook of renunciation enables lay persons to succeed in acquiring self restraint and self discipline of an increasingly high order. (9) Non-possession (Uttam Akinchanya) The instinct of non-possession, non-attachment and nonpossessiveness is at the core of Jain religion. Jain faith inspires its followers to move away from too much clinging to material things of life as well as passions and desires. Acharya Kundakunda observes that even if one has acquired mastery over all holy scriptures, if one has not practiced aparigraha, one cannot hope to get liberation from the bondage of karmas. The entire emphasis during Puryushan is to learn to give up as much as possible and make one's soul feel lighter and purer. Akinchanya mirrors the realization that in the ultimate analysis, the soul comes alone and leaves the world alone, and all attachments and possessions are left behind. (10) Celibacy (Uttam Bramhacharya): Observing sexual restraint is a vital part of practicing aparigraha. Sexual passions tend to enslave not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Passion makes a soul move away from the oath of rationality and balance, restraint and discipline. Practice of celibacy to whatever extent helps one to control one's sensual desires and the insatiable appetite for them. Eventually Bramhacharya may appear to be a denial of available sexual pleasures, but it is essentially a step towards a discipline which enables a person to get closer to his soul and at the same time recognize his social responsibilities and obligations. Practice of sexual restraint and discipline goes to make a society more ethically alive, harmonious and value based. It is in this wider interpretation of Bramhacharya that Mahavir added it as the fifth vow both in Mahavrata as well as Anuvrata.
A Portrait of Jain Religion
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