Universal Message of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 37

The Jaina Way of Life 27
famine etc. (vi) meat eating, intoxicants and (vii) crimes which might lead to imprisonment, and (viii) slavery of the senses.
He should properly perform his household duties but should not be careless in his religious duties.
III. The eight virtues to be cultivated:
A layman should acquire the habit of discretion between right and wrong acts and should keep away from ignoble sinful acts. He should be a far-sighted person and plan properly for the future needs of his family. In undertaking any responsibility, he should always consider his strength and weaknesses. He should always keep his temperament, voice and appearance gently and
serene.
IV. The eight endeavours:
He should always keep the company of noble people and admire their virtues. He should have compassionate attitude towards all and help everyone without selfishness. He should express gratitude to all who help him with humility.
A layman should engage himself in Svādhyāya of holy texts everyday and he should listen to the discourses of monks and nuns. He should try to understand the Tattvas and meaning of the Dharma-sastras to know the path of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
These virtues are prescribed so that a laity could gain material prosperity and also spiritual advancement in his life. Thus we find that Jaina Acāryas have given very deep thought to practical day-to-day life of the laities. All these qualities will