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JUNE 2015
PRABUDDH JEEVAN
49
of all stages of knowledge and the source of all rules of south-west, above and below. A person gives up comconduct. 2. Truthfulness Limited Vow (Satya Anuvrata): mitting sins in any place outside the limited areas of his The second of the five limited vows is Truth. It is more worldly activity. This vow JAIN LAITY OR HOUSEthan abstaining from falsehood. It is seeing the world HOLDERS provides a space limit to the commitments in its real form and adapting to that reality. The vow of of minor sins such as defensive, vocational, and comtruth puts a person in touch with his inner strength and mon violence for our survival not restricted by the liminner capacities. In this vow, a person avoids lies, such ited vows of non-violence. Thus outside the limited area, as giving false evidence, denying the property of oth- the limited vows assume the status of full vow (Mahä ers entrusted to him, avoid cheating others, etc. The Vratas). 7. Limited use of Consumable/Non-consumvow is to be followed in thought, action, and speech, able items vow (Bhoga-Upbhoga Vrata) : Generally one by doing it himself or by getting it done through others. commits a sin by one's use or enjoyment of consumHe should not speak the truth, if it harms others or hurts able (Bhoga) and non-consumable (Upbhoga) objects. their feelings. He should, under these circumstances, Consumable (Bhoga) means enjoyment of an object, keep silent. 3. Non-stealing (Achaurya/Asteya) Limited which can only be used once, such as food and drink. Vow: In this vow, person must not steal, rob, or misap- Non-consumable (Upabhoga) means enjoyment of an propriate others goods and property. He also must not object, which can be used several times, such as furnicheat and use illegal means in acquiring worldly things ture, clothes, ornaments and buildings. One should, by himself or nor through others or by approving such therefore, limit the use of these two objects in accoracts committed by others. 4. Chastity (Brahmacharya) dance with one's need and capacity by taking these Limited Vow: The basic intent of this vow is to conquer vows. This vow limits the quantity and number of items passion. Positively stated, the vow is meant to impart to the commitment of minor sins not restricted by nonthe sense of serenity to the soul. In this vow, the house- possession limited vow (Aparigraha Anuvrata). 8. holder must not have a sensual relationship with any. Avoidance of Purposeless and Unnecessary Sins Vow body but one's own lawfully wedded spouse. Even with (Anartha-danda Vrata): One must not commit unnecone's own spouse, excessive indulgence of all kinds of essary or purposeless sin or moral offense as defined sensual pleasure needs to be avoided. 5. Non-posses- below. sion/Non-attachment (Aparigraha) Limited Vow: Non- Thinking, talking, or preaching eveil or ill of others. possession is the fifth limited vow. As long as a person • Doing inconsiderate or useless acts such as walkdoes not know the richness of joy and peace that comes ing on grass unnecessarily from within, he tries to fill his emptiness and insecure Manufacturing or supplying arms for attack. existence with the clutter of material acquistions. One Reading or listening to obscene literature, or caremust impose a limit on one's needs, acquisitions, and lessness in ordinary behaviour. possessions such as land, real estate, goods, other Four Disciplinary Vows (Shikshä-vratas): valuables, animals, money, etc. The surplus should be 9. Equanimity or Meditation Vow of Limited Duraused for the common good. One must also limit every tion (SHRÄVAKAS AND SHRÄVIKÄS) (Sämäyika day usage of the number of food items, or articles and Vrata): This vow consists in sitting down at one place their quantity. The Jain principle of limited possession for at least 48 minutes concentrating one's mind on for householders helps the equitable distribution of religious activities like reading religious books, praywealth, comforts, etc., in the society. Thus Jainism helps ing, or meditating. This vow may be repeated many in establishing socialism, economic stability, and wel- times in a day. It is to be observed by mind, body, and fare in the world. Non-possession, like non-violence, speech. The meditation of 48 minutes makes a person affirms the oneness of all life and is beneficial to an realize the importance of the life long vow to avoid all individual in his spiritual growth and to society for the sinful activities and is a stepping-stone to a life of full redistribution of wealth.
renunciation. During Sämäyika time, one meditates on Three Merit Vows (Guna-Vratas) 6. Limited Area the soul and its relationship with karma. One should of Activity Vow (Dik Vrata): This vow limits one's worldly practice this vow of Sämäyika by giving up affection activities to certain area in all the ten directions; north, and aversion (Rag and Dvesha), observing equanimsouth, east, west, north-east, north-west, south-east, ity towards all objects, thinking evil of no one, and be
