World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 68

their preachings and path shown by them or their qualities as ordained but to beg wordly pleasures which is mentioned as sin in Jain scriptures. These instances have been mentioned to put forth the undistorted true theme of Jainism.
THE RIGHT PATH-THREE JEWELLS:
Rational faith, knowledge and conduct combined and simultaneously and not individually and apart, are three jewels (Ratnatraya) which consitute the right path for salvation and upliftment of mundane soul to noblest and highest manifestaion
।। सम्यग्दर्शनज्ञानचारित्राण मोक्षमार्गः ।। "
The grammatical mistake of putting incorrect (Grammatically) "pf:" in place of correct ":" is delibreate to impress simultaneous combination (Adoption) of three jewels for the follwers of right path. The prefix "T" (Rational) is to ward off "feed" (Wrong) and distortions due to vices, irrational feelings and actions. Any one endowed with these three rational jewels will have balanced holistic approach as against short sightedness and narrow mindeness. Such a right path will ultimately give eternal peace to the follower and through his example and interaction bring harmony in ambient environment.
FIVE VOWS:
Both the monks and the house holders are required to observe five vows of Non-violence (Ahimsa). Truth (Satya), Non-stealing (Acaurya), Non-possession (Aparigraha) and celibacy (Brahmacarya). Monks observe these vows as Mahavratas i.e. strictly and completely without any relaxation and householders as Anuvratas i.e. in milder form with certain relaxation. Observance of these vows should be in thought, speech and actions and transgressions include not only personal involvement but also instigation and consent to others. The prescribed code for observance of these vows is designed to the minutest details ruling out slightest transgressions that it benifits the individual himself as well as the society and the whole biome and environment he lives in.
1. Non-violence (Ahimsa):
There is so much emphasis on non-violence in Jainism that it has become its distinguishing mark and its Synonym. Violence in any form to any living being small or big is not permitted. Life-forms have been classified according to the number of senses present in particular living beings. Those with one sense of touch (Sparsa) only are earth (including all minerals in undetached state), Air, Water, Fire and all types of plants. Next category is of those with two senses of touch (Sparsa) and taste (Rasna) such as larvae. The third category has three senses of touch, taste and smell (Ghrana). Fourth category has four senses of touch, tatste, smell and sight (Cakshu) and fifth category has all the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing (Karna).