Studies in Jainism

Author(s): Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture Culcutta
Publisher: Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture Culcutta

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STUDIES IN JAINISM
philosophy of life. Soldiering of Anuvrata should be an avowed trait of the Anuvrati's behaviour. He should further resolve for his behaviour a change of heart and consequential change of attitude towards collective life, nay, to the entire sentient creation. He should be more guided by abnegation and duties than by assertions and rights. In this way one is to bring out harmony in oneself and, thus, the same in the social order. To be an Anuvrati sustained-practice is demanded of the individual.
THE VOWS:
The vows which constitute the code of conduct for every individual consist of
(i) not to kill any innocent creature ;
(ii) not to commit suicide;
(iii) not to commit foeticide.
COMMENT: How far these three are, without qualification. in consonance with the needs and dictates of particular societies is of course debatable. The three together should have been adjuncted with the qualification 'except under extenuating circumstances'.
(iv) not to be aggressive against anybody, i.e., to discard pugnacity in one's own spirit.
(v) not to forsake the path of a commited pacifist;
(vi) (Thus) not to stay apart from the. supporters of disarmament and world peace.
(vii) not to take part in any violent agitation or activity. (viii) not to discriminate among persons on the ground of race, colour, caste, sex or political belief.
COMMENT:Directed to oneself the last named vow is in accord with the egalitarian principle, and broadly follows the pattern of the Constitution of India in its enunciation of one of the Fundamental Rights Right to equality (Art. 16 of the Constitution of India).
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