Significance of Five great vows
The Five great vows in Jainism represent the fundamental commitments that a Jain monk must uphold, as detailed in the Yogashastra by Hemacandracarya. These ethical guidelines emphasize non-violence and renunciation of worldly desires while including core principles such as not killing, speaking the truth, not stealing, maintaining chastity, and having no possessions. These commitments serve as vital moral frameworks for Jaina ascetics, guiding their practices and relationships toward achieving spiritual purity and self-discipline.
Synonyms: Major vows
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Jain concept of 'Five great vows'
The Five great vows in Jainism encompass fundamental ethical principles guiding monks towards spiritual purity. They emphasize non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and detachment from possessions, aligning closely with both Jain and Buddhist ethics.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The key commitments or promises made by ascetics, which dictate their way of life and practices.[1] (2) Important ethical commitments that govern behavior and spiritual practice.[2] (3) Important commitments that ascetics observe, which Marici aspired to but chose to observe lesser vows instead due to his struggles.[3] (4) Fundamental commitments in the practice of mendicancy that involve strict self-discipline and renunciation of worldly pleasures.[4]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A set of ethical rules that Jaina ascetics adhere to, which align closely with principles found in Buddhist ethics.[5] (2) Core principles of Jain ethics that include abstaining from killing, lying, stealing, sexual pleasures, and attachments.[6]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A set of ethical precepts that Balashri claims to have learned, which guide his desire to join the ascetic order.[7] (2) The central ethical principles a monk should follow, which include not killing, speaking the truth, not stealing, being chaste, and having no property.[8]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The core vows that a monk must uphold in the Jaina tradition, guiding them toward spiritual purity.[9]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Fundamental commitments of a Jain monk explained in the Yogashastra by Hemacandracarya.[10]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A set of ethical guidelines that includes a commitment to non-violence and renunciation of worldly desires, as embraced by Udaka.[11]