JAINISM.

This, a very old non-Vedik religion, arose in the later Vedic period and was revitalised by Vardhamana Mahavira in the 6th century B.C. On the practical side Jainism up held asceticism and non-violence. According to it the goal of life is to attain Omniscience. The Jain--way to Nirvana is:-

1.Right faith;

2.Right knowledge; and

3.Right conduct.

These are called the ratnatraya or tri-ratna (three jewels). 

For a house-holder the right conduct consists of:

1.Ahimsa;

2.Satya;

3.Asteya;

4.Brahmacharya;

5.Aparigraha.

These are the anuvratas. But for a monk the right conduct consists of five mahavratas. Brahmacharya and aparigraha for a house-holder mean only chastity and non-attachment, but for a sanyasi, they mean absolute celibacy and complete renunciation.[to be cont---d]

by swami chinmayananda.