Importance Of Morakity In Jainism

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the importance of morality in Jainism:

The Jain text, "Importance of Morality in Jainism" by J. B. Khanna, emphasizes that morality is the foundational and invaluable principle of Jainism. The religion equips its officials with significant authority to effectively handle disputes and uphold these ethical standards.

The text details how Jain scriptures prescribed various expilations (Prayascitta) and punishments for monks who committed offenses. These proceedings, known as Vyavahara, were based on established norms like canon, tradition, law, charge, and custom. The combination of expiation and punishment was also termed Prayascitta, serving as a penalty for guilty monks.

The text lists ten types of atonements: condemnation, confession, confession and condemnation, discrimination, corporal punishment, penance, curtailment of seniority, reconsecration, suspension, and expulsion. Notably, the first six could be self-imposed by the monk.

The presence of a preceptor was crucial in these situations, as they guided the erring monk through the prescribed penance and confession. For the latter four atonements, the penalty involved the offender being deprived of their clerical powers. The minimum penalty was five days, with its duration influenced by the monk's hierarchical status. The period during which the offense was committed also factored into the loss incurred.

Another form of expiation was Parihara (purification), which involved isolating the transgressor for periods ranging from a month to six months or more, depending on the offense's severity. Guilty monks also faced social boycott to help them understand the gravity of their actions.

Monks who lost their clerical or ecclesiastical position due to an offense had to undergo rigorous penalties imposed by the Head of the monastery before being readmitted. This loss meant suspension of clerical rights and privileges, followed by a probation period where they had to prove their worthiness through right action. Grave offenses led to permanent expulsion from the monastic order.

The text also notes that later Jain administrators implemented more stringent measures, including expiatory fasts of varying durations based on the offense's gravity.

In conclusion, the Jain monastic order offered a wide array of expiations and punishments. Crucially, offenders were granted a fair opportunity to defend themselves and even had a free hand in choosing their mode of punishment. The author highlights that in ancient times, the judicial system was guided by truth, contrasting it with modern courts where self-interest and power might be more prevalent.