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Study of Jainism
O, king, dharma alone can protect you and nothing else can help you in this world.
5. Ahiṁsā saccam ca atenagaṁ ca
tatto ya bambham apariggaham ca I Padivajjiyā pañca mahavvayāņi, Cārijjam dhammam jinadesiyam vidu II
Uttaradhyayan ı 2.
The essence of religion consists in the practice of the five vșatas (vows): ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), asteya (nonstealing) brahmacarya (Celibacy) and aparigraha (non-attachment and non-possession). These vows have graded practice. The munis have to practise the vșatas very rigorously as far as the human capacity permits. They are called mahavşatas (greater vows). But in the case of the householder or a citizen, he cannot practise the vratas with the same vigour as the munis will be able to do, because he has to perform other social duties and responsibilities. For him, the vratas are to be practised as far as possible. keeping in view the social responsibilities. They are called Anuvşatas (lesser vows). We shall discuss about this problem in the Jaina ethics, in part II. And,
Javanti loe pāņa, tasa aduva thāvara I Te janamajanam va, na hane no vi ghayae II
Uttaradhyayana II a. I.
All living beings, whether moving animals or stationary vegetable kingdom, desire to live. Therefore, we should not injure them either directly by us nor allow others to cause injury to them. We should not hurt them physically, harbour ill-feelings of injury. It is as good as causing injury. We should not talk of hurting them. These are the three ways of injury, physical, mental or injury by speaking harsh things about them.
The Jainas give supreme importance to the vow of nonviolence. Ahimsa paramodharmaḥ".
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