Five Vows

Article summary

The Five Vows of Jainism include the mahāvratas (major vows) and aṇuvratas (minor vows). Jain ethical code prescribes two dharmas or rules of conduct. One for those who wish to become ascetic and another for the śrāvaka (householders). Five fundamental vows are prescribed for both votaries. These vows are observed by śrāvakas (householders) partially and are termed as anuvratas (small vows). Ascetics observe these fives vows more strictly and therefore observe complete abstinence. These five vows are: * Ahiṃsā (Non-violence) * Satya (Truth) * Asteya (Non-stealing) * Brahmacharya (Chastity) * Aparigraha (Non-possession) According to the Jain text Puruşārthasiddhyupāya: Apart from five main vows, a householder is expected to observe seven supplementary vows (śeelas) and last sallekhanā vow.

Key claims

No claims recorded.

Discussion questions

1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

No sources recorded.