Pristine Jainism

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

Page 84

Code of Conduct : (81) yet more and more such power plants are coming up to meet the unending demand for electricity. Because of consumerist life style even the house hold garbage generated in cities and towns is so enormous that its disposal is getting more and more difficult. The hazards of consumerism are far too much than can be tackled by known technologies. The increasing pollution of air, water and soil which are basic resources for life, have already reached to intolerant limits and if not checked will be suicidal. Rational thinkers have postulated that technological consumerist societies have an inbuilt mechanism for self-destruction. The only solution is vow of non-possession and non-acquisition i.e. limiting the wants to minimum and checking wasteful consumerism. It is however paradoxical that the Arhat Tirtharikaras though regarded apostle of non-possession are attributed with having ostentatious displays at the sites of their stay and same display of goldsilver is in temples of there idols which are even decorated with ornaments in Svetāmbara Sect.
Vow of celibacy (Brahmacarya):
For saints who observe it as Mahāvrata it is complete abstinence, abjuration from sexual desires and activity. Householders observe it as Aņuvrata and therefore do not abstain totally but are ordained to curb sexual desires and activity as much as possible, restricting to minimum for the purpose of limited procreation. The various concomitants of sexual desire viz. wine, meat, gambling, titillating songs, dance, persuasive body decoration, libertines, aimless wanderings, unnatural sex, promiscuity, etc. are transgressions of the vow and are not permitted. Sexual indulgence, licentious immoral conduct are causes of many conflicts and violence and since recently of a new incurable deadly disease AIDS. However, severe admonitions and injunctions advising hatred even for normal, scientific and safe sex with one's own spouse as contained in some religious texts is against the very definition of Aņuvratas. A householder can move up the ladder of spiritual advancement. Till salvation is attained, association with body and requirements are unavoidable. Even saints do