Five vows observed by Jains

CHENNAI, AUG. 26. A stream of knowledge has been incessantly flowing in India since time immemorial and credit for this goes to saints and seers, who have guided and inspired mankind to tread the sublime path of righteousness in order to realise ``Truth''. Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. Lord Mahavira, the 24th Thirthankara, was the propounder (not the founder) who attained omniscience by practising rigorous austerities, penance, non-violence and compassion. His preachings (2500 years ago) are relevant even today and bear special significance for mankind's spiritual advancement. His message is full of pragmatic optimism, self- reliance, and self-discipline to develop the inherent and infinite potentialities of an individual.

Jain society celebrates from today an annual ``self-purification ceremony'' called Paryushan Parva for eight days, during which programmes such as prayers, meditation, fasting, study of scriptures and lectures are conducted. The discourses which Jains will attend include one on ``Right Faith''. Belief in the existence of six factors (soul, non-soul, medium of motion, of rest, space and time) is reckoned as correct faith. Practice of austerity is right conduct. Along with these two, practice of austerity fetches perfect conduct. The three constitute the pathway to liberation. Desired result is attained when there is harmony between right type of knowledge and right conduct, for a chariot does not move by one wheel alone.

Right type of spiritual knowledge is of five kinds: scriptural, that which is derived through the five senses and the mind; clairvoyance; telepathy and omniscience. The vitiated mind is like a furious elephant but can be controlled by the goad of right knowledge. As the light from even crores of burning lamps is of no avail to a blind person, so too, the study of numerous scriptures is of no use to a person who has no character.

Explaining how members of his community spend their time, particularly during ``Paryushan Parva'', Sri Dulichand Jain, in a lecture, said the laity will observe five vows; total abstinence from violence, from falsehood, stealing, sex and possessions. Any person who deems wealth, others' belongings and relatives to be his protectors and believes that they belong to him and he to them, is unwise because in adversity, none of them can save him nor offer him shelter. Through austerities, one can get results of his past deeds destroyed and his soul purified. By practising several such exercises in their life, more so during these days, Jains attempt at a harmonious and peaceful approach to life.

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