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To speak truth requires moral courage. Only those who have conquered greed, fear, anger, jealousy, ego, vulgarity, frivolity etc., can speak the truth when required. Jainism insists that one should not only refrain from falsehood, but should always speak the truth which should be wholesome and pleasant.
Asteya (Non Stealing)
The vow of Non Stealing insists that one should be honest and should not steal anything or rob others of their wealth, belongings, etc. Further, one should not take anything which does not belong to him. It does not entitle one to take away a thing which may be lying unattended or unclaimed. One should observe this vow very strictly and should not touch even a worthless thing which does not belong to him.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Total abstinence from sex indulgence is called Brahmacharya or Celibacy. Sex is an infatuating force which obscures the right path of Moksha and sets aside all virtues and reason at the time of indulgence. This vow of controlling sex passion is very difficult to observe in its subtle form, because one may refrain from physical indulgence but may still think of the pleasures of sex. There are several rules laid down for observing this vow, both for monks and for householders.
Aparigraha (Non Acquisition)
Jainism believes that the more a person possesses worldly wealth, the more he may be unhappy and the more he is likely to commit sin, physical and mental, because worldly wealth creates attachments which would continuously result in greed, jealousy, selfishness, ego, hatred, violence, etc. Bhagavan Mahavira has said that wants and desires have no end and only the sky is the limit for them.
Attachment to worldly objects results in the bondage of the cycle of birth and death. Therefore, one desirous of spiritual liberation should withdraw from all attachments to the pleasing objects of all the five senses.
This Jaina principle of limited possession helps in equitable distribution of wealth, comforts, etc., in the society. Thus Jainism helps in establishing socialism, economic stability, and welfare in the world.
Jainism has laid down and described in much detail these five great vows for the path of Moksha. These are to be observed strictly and entirely by the monks and nuns. Partial observance is laid down for the householders with additional seven vows. There are other thirty five rules of conduct laid down for the householders.
