Code of
Conduct for Monks
The whole moral code for a Jaina monk should be viewed
from a particular angle. As monk has decided to devote himself absolutely
spiritualism. The house-holders are allowed to observe the five cardinal
principles of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacarya and Aparigraha with
concessions but the monks expected to observe them very strictly.
They are also expected to have complete control over
their mind and body. This is done by cultivating control over mind, called
‘Manogupti' speech, called ‘Vaggupti' and action called ‘Kayagupti'. The
guptis protect the monk from Sin. The Atman receives a shelter in these
guptis against the mundane circle of birth and death. As Pujyapada has put
it "Yatah samsarakaranadatmano gopanam bhavati". Manogupti means freedom
from thought of passions, delusions, attachment, aversion and such other
impure thoughts. Vaggupti means avoidance of talk's about women politics,
theft, food, etc., and refraining from telling a lie. Kayagupti means
renunciation of such violent actions as piercing, beating, contracting,
expanding, etc. They are also expected to accept five types of ‘Samitis'
(limitations). The word Samiti coming from the root (to go) with Sam
prefix, means vigilance in behaviour, namely, Irya, to take care in
walking so as not to hurt anybody; Bhasa, to take care in speaking so as
not hurt anyone; ‘Esana', to take care in accepting alms so as to receive
the same in accordance with the rules prescribed for monastic order;
‘Adana-niksepana' and ‘Utsarga' or Pratisthapana, both require care in
taking and giving as well as in throwing away bodily refuse. The central
idea of all these different types of limitations and restrictions is
Ahimsa. One should not think, speak or do anything which even most
remotely would involve the element of violence. The standards prescribed
for monks are so much strict and rigid that to suit the modern age many
adjustments are required to be made. For instance, as a rule, the Monks
have to go on foot wherever they want to go. They therefore cannot use a
vehicle. They also cannot use a microphone. If these limitations are
rigidly followed, bulk of the society would be deprived of their contact
and preaching. However, it should be remembered that these limitations are
prescribed keeping in mind only one principle namely, each one of us is
expected to concentrate upon his own individual emancipation and if we
can, successfully do it social emancipation is bound to follow.
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