To achieve
Moksha we need the right knowledge, right
faith, and right conduct known as three
jewels of Jainism. Regarding right conduct,
we must achieve control over our inner desires
and reach a stage where there is no attachment
or hatred. It is not as easy as it sounds,
for we will have to form new habits and
discard old habits. In order to change our
habits, we take vows which help us to restrict
what we do and eventually live naturally
restrained. Although different people take
different vows and despite the outer differences
in the observance of these vows, the goal
of all is to attain right conduct. As we
find in the scriptures, there are different
vows for monks and nuns, and for male and
female house holders.
When one makes a resolution to restrain
willfully from something with full understanding
and faith then that resolution becomes a
vow. The scriptures have divided these vows
into two main groups:
Maha Vrats (Major Vows or Absolute
Vows)
Anu Vrats (Minor Vows or Relative Vows)
Maha Vrats
In these vows, non-violence, truthfulness,
non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness
are observed mentally, verbally, and physically
in total. Each of these three aspects are
further observed in three ways: not committing
yourself, not asking anyone else to do so,
and not encouraging anyone else to do so.
Those who wish to observe these vows renounce
their worldly lives and become known as
sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns) or Anagari.
Anu Vrats
It is difficult for house holders to fully
practice the above vows, and so, the vows
that house holders take have some limitations
and are called minor vows. These vows are
not as stringent as Maha vrats and people
who that take these vows are called shravaks,
shravikas, or Agari.
MAHA VRATS
Savvao Panaivayao Virman Vrat
(Absolute Non-Violence Vow)
In this vow, non-violence is observed mentally,
verbally, and physically in total including
for daily needs.
Savvao Musavayao Virman Vrat (Absolute
Truthfulness Vow)
In this vow, lying is given up mentally,
verbally, and physically in total. Only
the truth is spoken.
Savvao Aadinnadanao Virman Vrat (Absolute
Non-Stealing Vow
In this vow, stealing is given up mentally,
verbally, and physically in total. Nothing
is taken unless it is offered by the owner,
and meets the restrictions of the monkshood
life.
Savvao Mehunao Virman Vrat (Absolute
Celibacy Vow)
Celibacy is observed mentally, verbally,
and physically in total. Upon taking this
vow, one can not even touch or think about
a member of the opposite sex.
Savvao Pariggrahao Virman Vrat (Absolute
Non-Possessiveness Vow)
Greed and material possessions are given
up mentally, verbally, and physically in
total. Only items which are needed on a
daily basis are kept.
ANU VRATS
Sthool Panaivayao Virman Vrat
(Limited Non-Violence Vow)
Being a house holder, you must carry out
house hold and community activities. Thus,
it is not possible to totally avoid violence,
especially against one sensed living beings.
However, you should take the utmost care
to observe non-violence.
Sthool Musavayao Virman Vrat (Limited
Truthfulness Vow)
You should take the utmost care in not telling
lies. Another words you should only speak
the truth.
Sthool Aadinnadanao Virman Vrat (Limited
Non-Stealing Vow)
You should take the utmost care not to steal
or borrow the belongings of others without
their permission.
Sthool Mehunao Virman Vrat (Limited
Celibacy Vow)
You should be satisfied with your spouse
only and should avoid sexual contact with
others.
Sthool Pariggahao Virman Vrat (Limited
Non-Possessiveness Vow)
Your earning for material possessions, and
greed for collection should be as limited
as possible.
GUNA VRATS (Supporting Vows)
The following vows support the above five
vows so that they can be carried out more
effectively.
Disha Pariman Vrat (Geographic Limitation
Vow)
Since it is necessary to move only so much
to satisfy your needs, you should limit
your desire to perform activities within
a needed radius of area. Therefore, you
should set limits within the scope of travel
or business, etc.
Bhogopbhog Virman (Consumption and Occupation
Limitation Vow)
You should set limits on the consumption
of various items, despite whether they are
used once or repeatedly, to avoid incoming
sins. Also, you should limit yourself to
the kind of occupation you select because
some occupations have more exposure to sins
than others.
Anartha Dand Virati Vrat (Purposeless
Violence Limitation Vow)
We sometimes carry out activities for fun
or to tease our friends and foes. However,
we should realize that all such activities
attract karmas. This vow reminds us not
to build unnecessary karma.
SHIKSHA VRAT (Training Vows)
The above eight vows tell us how we can
limit our actions in order to reduce the
inflow of karma. The next four vows train
us to stop karma from coming in, and to
get rid of existing karmas.
Samayik Vrat (Self-control and Equanimity
Vow)
Since we live a social life, it may not
be possible to spend much time in shedding
karmas, but we should spend at least forty-eight
minutes a day in such efforts. During these
forty-eight minutes, we give up all familial,
social, economical, and cultural responsibilities,
and we control ourselves mentally, verbally,
and physically. During this time we should
concentrate on religious readings or meditation,
which will help prevent new karma from coming
in as well as help get rid of our old karma.
This 48 minutes will also give us a glimpse
as to how easy or difficult it may be to
control ourselves. Once we become accustomed
to doing this, we may extend the self-control
time to a period of more than 48 minutes.
Dishavakashik Vrat (Day to Day Additional
Limitation Vow)
At the time of waking up, we take this vow
in order to put definite limits on our activities
for that day, and thus, limit our exposure
to accumulating karma. In this way we learn
to live a more controlled life.
Poshadh Vrat (Monkshood Exposure Vow)
This vow teaches us how to live like a monk,
or a nun, for a day. By taking this vow,
we give up all our household, social, economical,
and cultural responsibilities for a day.
We should practice this vow as often as
possible. By practicing this vow, the inflow
of new karma is slowed down, and existing
karmas are eradicated. If this vow is easy
to observe it may eventually lead to monkshood.
Atithi Savinbhag Vrat (Selfless Offerings
to Unexpected Guests Vow)
This vow teaches us to share. Sharing is
more worthwhile when an unexpected, needy
person comes to your door and you offer
with an open heart. Monks and nuns are the
best receptors for this type of sharing.
However, while giving, you should not have
any regrets or expectations in your mind.
By sharing, you are developing a sense of
detachment with the feeling that nothing
is mine. Observing this vow will lead to
liberation from worldly life. Our thoughts
while taking these vows are also very important.
They should be positive and meant to destroy
karmas.
There are three common obstacles to our
vows:
Maya (Deception)
Niyanu (Expectations)
Mithyatva (Wrong Beliefs)
Maya (Deception)
When you take a vow, it should be for the
betterment of your soul. Vows should not
be taken to show-off or receive praise.
Also, they should not to be taken to deceive
or they will produce inferior results.
Niyanu (Expectations)
Many of us take vows in order to gain something
materialistic in return. Such is not good
because not only do we use up what we achieve,
but we lose the main purpose of performing
vows, to destroy karmas.
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