Gunavrata, Guṇavrata, Guna-vrata: 5 definitions

Introduction
In Jainism
1. General definition
Languages
1. Sanskrit
See also

Introduction:

Gunavrata means something in Jainism, Prakrit, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra

Guṇavrata (गुणव्रत) refers to the “three meritorious vows” as mentioned in chapter 1.3 [ādīśvara-caritra] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triṣaṣṭiśalākāpuruṣacaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.

Accordingly, as mentioned in Ṛṣabha’s sermon:—

“[...] the restraint of the senses with the whole soul is called cāritra. It may be partial in laymen devoted to the yatidharmas. The roots of right-belief are the five lesser vows (aṇuvratas), the three meritorious vows (guṇavratas), and the four disciplinary vows (śikṣāvratas) of laymen. [...] When a limit is set in the ten directions that can not be crossed, that is called digvirati, the first guṇavrata. The measure of objects of momentary and repeated use is the second guṇavrata, in which the number of objects of momentary and repeated use is made according to ability. The abandonment of purposeless injury consisting in bad meditation—painful and evil, the teaching of evil conduct, the giving of assistance to injury, and careless conduct, in contrast to intentional injury to the body, etc., is the third guṇavrata”.

Source: Encyclopedia of Jainism: Tattvartha Sutra 7: The Five Vows

Guṇavrata (गुणव्रत) refers to the three “enhancing vows” and forms part of the seven supplementary vows (śīlavrata) according to the 2nd-century Tattvārthasūtra 7.21.—Abstaining from activity with regard to direction (digvirati), abstaining from activity with regard to declared zone / country /city (deśavirati), abstaining from purposeless sin (anarthadaṇḍavrata) are the three guṇavrata. What is meant by enhancing vows (guṇavrata)? These are the vows that multiply or enhance the values of the minor vows.

Source: The University of Sydney: A study of the Twelve Reflections

Guṇavrata (गुणव्रत) refers to the “(three) virtuous vows”, according to the Yogaśāstra verse 2.1.—Accordingly, “As far as a householder is concerned, the roots of orthodoxy are the five minor vows (aṇuvratā), the three virtuous [vows] (guṇavrata—guṇās trayaḥ), [and] the four educational vows (śikṣāvrata). [These twelve vows progressively bring him closer to the life of a mendicant]”.

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.

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit dictionary

Source: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary

Guṇavrata (गुणव्रत):—[=guṇa-vrata] [from guṇa] n. ‘vow or duty of secondary importance’, a term for 3 particular duties (forming with the 5 aṇu-vratāni and the 4 śikṣā-padāni the 12 duties of the laymen adhering to the Jaina faith), [Hemacandra’s Yoga-śāstra]

[Sanskrit to German]

Gunavrata in German

context information

Sanskrit, also spelled संस्कृतम् (saṃskṛtam), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.

Relevant text

Search found 7 books and stories containing Gunavrata, Guṇavrata, Guna-vrata, Guṇa-vrata; (plurals include: Gunavratas, Guṇavratas, vratas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

3.2. Jain ethics in ancient India < [Chapter 9 - Economic, Political and Religious conditions]

16. Origin of the Brahmanas < [Chapter 4 - Intervening Stories]

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Verse 7.21 - Supplementary vows of the householder with minor-vows < [Chapter 7 - The Five Vows]

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Part 14: Ṛṣabha’s sermon < [Chapter III]

Part 3: The sermon of Sūri Dharmaghoṣa < [Chapter I]

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Lecture 7: Nalanda < [Book 2]

Lecture 2: On Activity < [Book 2]

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6. Religious routine of the Jains < [Chapter 13 - Religious and Philosophical data]