Restraint towards Six Kinds of Living Beings (Chajjivaniya, Dasaveyāliya Suya)
By Unexhibited
Summary
This translation from the *Uttarādhyayana Sūtra* elaborates on the Jain ethical principle of ahiṃsā (non‑violence) by explaining why one must restrain harm towards six categories of living beings. The text states that non‑abstinence (avirati) includes causing injury or failing to protect earth‑bodied beings, water‑bodied beings, fire‑bodied beings, air‑bodied beings, plants and all mobile creatures. These six classes cover everything from one‑sensed organisms like rocks and plants to multi‑sensed animals. The article describes how even small acts such as carelessly throwing water or starting a fire can harm subtle life‑forms; thus a Jain householder must be mindful of every action. The author then discusses the Great Vows (mahāvratas) for monks and the corresponding Small Vows (aṇuvratas) for laypeople, emphasising that while laypeople cannot avoid all harm, they can reduce violence by limiting consumption, speaking truthfully and avoiding greed. Practical advice is offered: filtering water, eating vegetarian food and avoiding occupations that require destruction of life. By extending moral consideration to all six categories, Jain ethics cultivates a sense of universal compassion. The narrative also highlights that restraint is not merely external; mental states of anger, pride, deceit and greed are equally harmful because they bind the soul to the cycle of rebirth. The story thus frames ahiṃsā as an all‑encompassing discipline that transforms both behaviour and attitude.
Conclusion
By showing that even earth, water and fire are inhabited by living beings, the text expands the reader’s circle of compassion. It teaches that true non‑violence requires vigilance in thought, word and deed, and that reducing harm to all forms of life purifies the soul.