Ethics in Jainism

 Jainism places a significant emphasis on ethics, with the ultimate goal being salvation (moksha), achieved through right conduct. This conduct is guided by various vows and principles, most notably the Twelve Vows for laypersons and the Pancha Vrathas, or Five Great Vows.

The Twelve Vows

The Twelve Vows guide laypersons in ethical living, promoting self-restraint and spiritual discipline:

  1. Non-Violence (Ahimsa): Avoid harming any living being.
    • Example: Donating excess items rather than hoarding them.
  2. Truthfulness (Satya): Speak only the truth.
  3. Non-Stealing (Astheya): Refrain from taking what is not given.
  4. Chastity (Brahmacharya): Abstain from sexual indulgence.
  5. Non-Possession (Aparigraha): Limit material possessions.
    • Example: Restricting travel to reduce environmental harm.
  6. Limiting Activities (Anartha-danda Virati): Avoid unnecessary harmful activities.
  7. Limiting Use of Resources (Bhoga-Upabhoga Virati): Restrict consumption.
    • Example: Limiting meals to twice a day.
  8. Equanimity (Samayika): Maintain a balanced state of mind.
    • Example: Daily meditation for 30 minutes.
  9. Restricting Areas (Desavakasika): Further limit areas of activity periodically.
    • Example: Confine movement to a neighborhood for a period.
  10. Fasting (Paushadha): Live like a monk on specific days.
  • Example: Fasting and living simply on holy days.
  1. Sharing (Atithi Samvibhaga): Share resources with those in need.
  • Example: Regularly donating food to shelters.
  1. Meditation and Focus (Sanlekhana): Gradual reduction of passions to detach from the body and material world.

The Five Great Vows (Pancha Vrathas)

  1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Central to Jain ethics, practiced with varying rigor by laypersons and ascetics.
    • Example for Laypersons: Avoid eating meat and harming animals.
    • Example for Ascetics: Avoid killing even plants; sweep paths to avoid harming insects.
  2. Satya (Truth): Speak only what is true, pleasant, and beneficial.
  3. Astheya (Non-Stealing): Do not take what is not freely given.
  4. Brahmacharya (Chastity): Complete celibacy for ascetics, sexual restraint for laypersons.
  5. Aparigraha (Non-Possession): Detachment from material and sensory pleasures.
    • Example for Ascetics: Renounce all possessions, live with the bare essentials.
    • Example for Householders: Maintain simplicity, avoid excess.

Comments

  1. L. AkhoAugust 11, 2024 at 9:36 AM

    The practice of these twelve vows is very challenging, yet if we are able to follow the vows we would be very happy and peaceful person. We would be able to bring peace, love and smile to others.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Paulus Tala MarandiAugust 11, 2024 at 10:14 AM

    One can only achieve moksha through right conduct. It's guided by various vows and principles. In Jainism there are five vows and twelve spiritual disciplines for laypersons which help them to attain salvation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Prakash JosephAugust 12, 2024 at 9:14 AM

    In my opinion, Jainism's emphasis on ethics, guided by the Twelve Vows and Five Great Vows, provides a comprehensive framework for achieving spiritual growth and salvation through self-restraint, non-violence, truthfulness, and detachment from material possessions.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jones VimalAugust 12, 2024 at 6:44 PM

    I relate the five vows with the vows we take as Jesuits. The ultimate goal of the vows is to lead a life of complete surrender. When I relate the vows of Jesuits it is quite similar.1.Poverty = Aparigraha
    2. Chastity = Brahmacharya 3.Obedience = Satya & Ahimsa. Thus all the religions preach the central idea of complete surrender to the Supreme.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Arun RajAugust 12, 2024 at 6:53 PM

    These Vows remind me of 10 commandments and 6 precepts of the catholic church. Just like how vows are important for jains for right conduct , similarly the above is important for a catholic for right conduct .

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sam 24-PPL-033August 13, 2024 at 7:14 PM

    It is interesting to note that one of their vows is to live like a monk on specific days. Lord! they have 12 vows and we have just 3 and making lots of noises hahaha but it was fun to know tho

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amit KulluAugust 14, 2024 at 3:20 PM

    Vows play a very significant role in the life of individuals if we follow them genuinely, when I reflect on my vows I feel that the vows are there to lead us towards purity and in the case of Jainism who follow 12 vows which by following them can lead them to liberation.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ravindra EkkaAugust 16, 2024 at 6:35 PM

    If you want to have right conduct, take vows and practice it. Vows shapes our behavior. Ethics of jains attracts, encourages me to examine my behavior. I am becoming better human. After exam, I will do 30 minutes of meditation once a week.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gulshan LugunAugust 18, 2024 at 3:17 PM

    Vows are the guides that guide oneself to have a right thought, words and deeds and thus achieve liberation.

    ReplyDelete

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