Way of Life Part 4

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 69

DISCOURSE 77
59
A sadhu should not commit a theft (Adatta) by thought, word and deed. He should not commit a theft (Adatta). He should not get a theft committed by others. He should not countenance a theft when it is being committed by others. A sadhu should not commit the sin of Abramha or sexual activity by word, thought or deed. He should not commit the sin of sexual activity. He should not get the sin committed by others. He should not countenance the sin when it is being committed by others. A sadhu should not have attachment (parigraha) for anything by thought, word or deed. He should not have attachment for anything. He should not make others develop attachment for anything. He should not countenance the sin of attachment in others.
These are the five great vows that a sadhu has to observe in his life strictly. They are: 1. Ahimsa (non-violence); 2. Amrusha (speaking the truth); 3. Adatta (non-stealing); 4. Abramha (celibacy); 5. Aparigraha (non-attachment).
Sadhus have to take a three-fold vow regarding not taking food and water after sunset. If regard for sadhus who observe such great vows arises in your heart, you cannot but render heartfelt service to them.
How absolutely sinless is the way of their life! And such a rigorous and austere way of life has been prescribed for the Jain sadhus. Only those who are merited and fortunate get the opportunity of rendering service to such great men.
Those great men besides leading a life of absolute purity adore and acquire knowledge by such methods as studying the scriptures, contemplating on them; and scrutinizing them; and thus they keep their minds noble and pure. They render the pilgrimage of their lives peaceful and happy. By developing familiarity with such men of enlightenment and spiritual excellence, men can come out of the darkness of infatuation. They will attain the right view of life; and they become absorbed in the endeavours to attain spiritual elevation and purification.