Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 67

CODE OF CONDUCT
Symbiotic and Rational:
Jainism prescribes the code of conduct, which is beneficial for one who practises and also for other living organisms. It is so rationality designed that even the inanimate constituents of nature are so cautiously utilised that their conservation is not adversely affected as the quantity used is proportional to their natural regeneration. If human beings who are in highest commanding position at the top of pyramid in hierarchy of living beings, follow the Jaina Code of conduct, there will be perfect peace and harmony and even cyclic changes of retrogression or progression would stop. In the canonical treatise “Tiloyapaņņatti", by Yati Vrşabhācārya it is illustrated that there are areas Harivarsa, Hemvata etc where time stands still and there are no retrogratory changes because people there follow rational and symbiotic Jaina code of conduct.
There are elaborate conduct rules both for saints and laity (householders) so meticulously framed that no laxity or transgressions are permissible. There are basic fundamental rules, which every Jain must follow. Then more and more rigorous practices are to be followed as one treads on the path of salvation. There are eleven stages for householders to climb the ladder step by step according to one's capabilities. However, fundamental rules and vows are common at all stages and there is difference of degree and not of kind. Jainism stands unique amongst all religions that the conduct rules are clearly well defined covering every aspect in life. There is no such meticulously well-defined elaborate code of conduct in any other religion. Till recently Jains were known for their adherence to prescribed conduct taking meals before sunset and using water only after proper filtering, strict vegetarianism and not taking even honey, abstention from wine, any sort of violence,