Chaviccheda, Chavi-ccheda: 1 definition

Introduction:

Chaviccheda means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Alternative spellings of this word include Chhavichchheda.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

[«previous next»] — Chaviccheda in Jainism glossary
Source: archive.org: Jaina Yoga

Chaviccheda (छविच्छेद) refers to one of the transgressions (aticāra) of the Ahiṃsā-vrata (vow of non-violence).—In Jaina jurisprudence chavi-ccheda is one of the seven forms of daṇḍa-nītī; it covers any mutilation inflicted in punishment of a crime (see Arhan-nīti, verse 2.2). For Haribhadra (in his commentary on the Āvaśyaka-sūtra) chavi-ccheda implies “cuttingthe body with swords and other sharp instruments”.

The word chavi is in fact variously interpreted as “body” or “skin”. The Tattvārtha-bhāṣya introduces (verse 7.20) here the idea of purposeless cutting of the bark of trees and Siddhasena Gaṇin extends this to the wounding of ap-kāyas by cutting ice or of pṛthvī-kāyas by disturbing the ground, offences which later are usually found under the anartha-daṇḍa-vrata. But, as he notes, this aticāra applies rather to branding and ear-piercing or to methods of punishment used to intimidate criminals such as cutting off the nose and ears, or fingers and thumbs. Such chavi-ccheda is of course merciless and devoid of consideration (nirapekṣa) but it ceases to be an aticāra when it is done with due care (sāpekṣa), for example, in lancing a boil.

General definition book cover
context information

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

Discover the meaning of chaviccheda in the context of General definition from relevant books on Exotic India

See also (Relevant definitions)

Relevant text

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: