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114
A Treatise on Jainism
given up by one who practises the principle
of Ahimsa. Suplementary Vows.
A layman is required to follow the 7 supplementary vows (Sheelas) also, as they are helpful in the proper observance of the first five main vows. Just as the encircling walls guard town, so do Sheelas (supplementary vows) protect the Anu-Vratas. Out of these 7, the following 3 are called Gunavratas (Multiplicative vows) because they raise the value of the first five vows multifold. Gunavratas : (1) Dig-Vrata, a vow to limit worldly activities
to fixed points in all the 10 directions, North, South, East, West, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-West, above and below. This brings the merit of Ahimsa with regard to what is beyond
such limits. (2) Desha-Vrata, a vow to limit worldly
activities for a fixed period only. This means that one shall not, during a certain period of time, proceed beyond a certain village, market, street, or house or have
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