Jainism Parity And Patriarchy

SR No.: 034364
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Anand Shah
Publisher: Anand Shah
Publication Year: 2018
Total Pages: 18
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 222 KB

Page 10

Anand Shah | Prof. Ulrike Stark 6.8.18
obvious type of written inequality is that which explicitly genders conduct for monks and nuns.
The Acharanga Sutra goes through each of the five major vows that mendicants must take.
Examine, for example, the fourth vow of celibacy. It lays down five clauses:
I.
A Nirgrantha does not continually discuss topics relating to women. The Kevalin
says: If a Nirgrantha discusses such topics, he might fall from the law declared by
the Kevalin, because of the destruction or disturbance of his peace ...
II.
A Nirgrantha does not regard the lovely forms of women. The Kevalin says: If a
Nirgrantha regards the lovely forms of women, he might fall ...
III.
A Nirgrantha does not recall to his mind the pleasures and amusements he
formerly had with women. The Kevalin says: If a Nirgrantha recalls to his mind
the pleasures and amusements he formerly had with women, he might fall ...
IV.
A Nirgrantha does not eat and drink too much, nor does he drink liquors or eat
highly seasoned dishes. The Kevalin says: If a Nirgrantha did eat and drink too
much, or did drink liquors and eat highly seasoned dishes, he might fall ...
V.
A Nirgrantha does not occupy a bed or couch affected by women (emphases
added], animals or eunuchs. The Kevalin says: If a Nirgrantha did occupy a bed or
couch affected by women, animals, or eunuchs, he might ...14
In many ways, the five great vows are what define the ascetic's life. And, as Sethi notes,
even though there is meant to be no difference between the vows for men and for women, there
is clearly a gendering of these vows -- the scripture reveals itself to be primarily addressing men.
14 "Acharanga Sutra Book II, Lecture 15." Translations of Jain Sutras, by Hermann Jacobi, Rajkot Printing Press, 1906.