________________
Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra
vows is limited and therefore he practices vows on a smaller scale. A monk, however, is free of household limitations- he has no possessions and no family bondages, and he can therefore carry out the vows more strictly.
CHAPTER-7
This chapter explains the vows which define enlightened conduct (the last of the three jewels).
In the case of a householder the five vows are called anuvrata or minor vows. In the case of a monk they are called mahavrata - major vows.
FIVE VOWS
Non-violence
Truth
Non-stealing
Incontinence
Non-possessiveness
Before carrying out the five vows, the author, Umaswatiji describes some practical 'tools' to help steady one's mind. These tools are called bhavanas or practical contemplation. These practical contemplation involve developing certain feelings towards other humans. Below is a list of these feelings:
HINSA-ANRUT-STEYA-ABRMHAPARIGRHEBHYO-VIRTIRVRATAM 7-1 = The vows include abstinence from violence, lying, stealing, incontinence and possessiveness.
MAITRI-PRAMOD-KARUNYA-MADHYASTHANI SATVA GUNADHIK-KLISYAMANA-AVINAYESHU 7-6
(1) The friendship of those who are pious and virtuous,
(2) Rejoicing at the sight of (or in the company of) the virtuous,
It is important to note that the word virti in the above aphorism means 'refrain from or control over' bad activities. When one refrains from evil activity, he automatically turns towards positive and virtuous deeds. When this process is complete one is called vrati (the taker of vows).
(3) Pity for those people or beings who are unhappy or miserable.
(4) Equanimity towards those who are impolite.
Vows could be partial i.e. on a small scale or total. It would be difficult for laymen to observe any of these vows to a great degree, because of his household duties. His field of the observance of
44
The first bhavana or feeling is the friendly attitude towards all who are virtuous. The influence of those who are good helps one to develop a positive attitude and eliminates feelings of jealousy
45
