Samyak Charitra: Virati and Avirati

Virati (Restraint) and Avirati (Non-Restraint)

Virati (Restraint) – The Path of Self-Control

Virati, or restraint, is the practice of controlling one's actions, speech, and thoughts in alignment with Jain principles. It is a crucial step in Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) and helps in reducing karmic bondage.

There are two main types of Virati:

1. Sarvavirati (Complete Restraint)

This is the total renunciation of worldly activities, followed by Jain ascetics (Sadhus and Sadhvis). They take the Mahavratas (Five Great Vows) and live a life of complete discipline and detachment.

The Mahavratas are:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence) – Avoiding harm to all living beings.

• Satya (Truthfulness) – Speaking only the truth that is beneficial and non-harmful.

• Asteya (Non-stealing) – Not taking anything that is not willingly given.

• Brahmacharya (Celibacy) – Complete abstinence from sensual pleasures.

• Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) – Renouncing attachment to material wealth and relationships.

These vows are also traditionally named as:

1. Sarvato Pranatipata Viramana Vrata

2. Sarvato Mrishabada Viramana Vrata

3. Sarvato Adattadana Viramana Vrata

4. Sarvato Maithuna Viramana Vrata

5. Sarvato Parigraha Viramana Vrata

Jain ascetics practice Sarvavirati as an essential step toward moksha (liberation).

2. Desh-Virati (Partial Restraint)

Lay followers (Shravakas and Shravikas) practice Desh-Virati, meaning partial renunciation. They take Twelve Vows (Barah Vrata), which are divided into:

• Five Anuvratas (Lesser Vows)

• Three Gunavratas (Supplementary Vows)

• Four Shikshavratas (Disciplinary Vows)

The Twelve Vows of a Shravaka (Lay Follower)

I. Anuvratas (Lesser Vows)

These are moderate versions of the Mahavratas, allowing laypeople to follow Jain principles while managing their household life.

1. Ahimsa Anuvrata (Limited Non-violence) – Avoiding intentional harm to living beings, especially those with two or more senses.

2. Satya Anuvrata (Limited Truthfulness) – Speaking only the truth but ensuring that it does not cause harm.

3. Asteya Anuvrata (Limited Non-stealing) – Not taking anything that is not willingly given and avoiding dishonest means of acquiring wealth.

4. Brahmacharya Anuvrata (Limited Celibacy) – Practicing restraint in sensual pleasures and maintaining loyalty in marriage.

5. Aparigraha Anuvrata (Limited Possession) – Limiting desires and accumulation of material wealth.

These vows are also traditionally named as:

1. Sthula Pranatipata Viramana Vrata

2. Sthula Mrishavada Viramana Vrata

3. Sthula Adattadana Viramana Vrata

4. Swadara Santosh Parastreegaman Viramana Vrata

5. Sthula Parigraha Parimana Vrata

II. Gunavratas (Supplementary Vows)

These enhance the Anuvratas by adding further restrictions and self-discipline.

6. Dikparimana Vrata (Directional Restriction Vow) – Restricting movement to a limited area to avoid excessive worldly activities.

7. Bhoga-Upbhoga Parimana Vrata (Limiting Consumables Vow) – Restricting indulgence in luxurious items such as food, entertainment, and comforts.

8. Anartha Danda Viramana Vrata (Avoidance of Sinful Activities Vow) – Avoiding unnecessary or thoughtless actions that may lead to sin, such as gossip, providing weapons, or harming insects unnecessarily.

III. Shikshavratas (Disciplinary Vows)

These vows promote self-discipline, social responsibility, and spiritual growth.

9. Samayik Vrata (Vow of Equanimity) – Practicing meditation, equanimity, and self-purification for at least 48 minutes daily to maintain inner peace.

10. Desavakasika Vrata (Limiting Worldly Activities Vow) – Restricting business, household, and social activities for a certain period to focus on spirituality.

11. Paushadha Vrata (Vow of Periodic Renunciation) – Observing ascetic-like living occasionally, such as fasting and staying in solitude.

12. Atithi Samvibhaga Vrata (Vow of Charity and Hospitality) – Offering food, supplies, and services to Jain ascetics, Shravaka-Shravikas, and those in need.

Avirati (Non-Restraint) – The Path of Worldly Bondage

Avirati, or non-restraint, is the lack of self-control that leads to bondage of karma and spiritual downfall. Those who do not follow any form of restraint remain caught in samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and continue accumulating karmic impurities.

There are two types of Avirati:

1. Samyag-Avirati (Non-Restraint Despite Right Faith)

This occurs when a person has Right Faith (Samyagdarshan) but has not yet adopted a restrained lifestyle. They believe in Jain principles but continue engaging in worldly actions. Such individuals are eligible for spiritual progress but must develop restraint to move forward.

2. Mithyatva-Avirati (Non-Restraint Due to Wrong Faith)

This happens when a person lacks both Right Faith and restraint. They do not believe in Jain principles and remain trapped in ignorance and indulgence. Such individuals accumulate Paap (bad karma) and remain in the cycle of rebirths.

Comparison of Virati and Avirati

Aspect	Virati (Restraint)	Avirati (Non-Restraint)
Karmic Effect	Reduces bondage of karma	Increases bondage of karma
Spiritual Progress	Leads to moksha	Leads to endless rebirths
Mental State	Brings inner peace and discipline	Leads to restlessness and attachments
Future Birth	Higher realms or moksha	Lower births (animals, hell, etc.)
Relationship with Jain Dharma	Follows vows and practices self-control	Indulges in worldly pleasures without restraint

Conclusion

Virati is essential for liberation, while Avirati leads to spiritual downfall. By practicing Desh-Virati (Partial Restraint), laypeople can progress toward Sarvavirati (Complete Restraint) and ultimately attain moksha.

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Exercise Section

1. Fill in the blanks:

   • _______ means complete restraint, followed by ascetics.

   • Lay followers practice _______ restraint.

   • _______ vow means avoiding harm to all living beings.

2. Match the following:

   • Ahimsa → (a) Truthfulness

   • Satya → (b) Non-violence

   • Aparigraha → (c) Non-possessiveness

3. Answer in one sentence:

   • What is the difference between Samyag-Avirati and Mithyatva-Avirati?

   • Name any two Shikshavratas.

   • What is the fourth vow of Jain ascetics?

   • What are the three classifications of the vows of a household?

   • Which vow restricts from telling a lie?

Thanks, 

Jyoti Kothari (Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)