Philosophy In Jain Agams: Definition of Conduct

The literal meaning of the word 'ācara' is conduct. Conduct is that which is practiced, ācāryate iti ācāra. With prefix 'āṅg', 'cara' root word is used [in the sense of movement or activity] and the with suffix 'ghañ' word 'ācāra' is formulated. It is a synonymous term for conduct, behaviour, social customs etc. All the root words in the meaning of movement are also applicable in the meaning of knowledge. So only the right conduct as per right knowledge is called as ācāra. That which is practiced by civilized beings and is according to right knowledge and right faith is known as conduct.^[1] The commentators have defined the way of dressing and other external activities also as conduct.^[2] The word 'ācāra' has been applied in several meanings such as - religion, policy, duty, morality etc. The things or the rules that are considered as human duty are all merged into the conduct. 'Sthānāṅga Vṛtti' provides three meanings of the word 'ācāra' i.e. conduct, behaviour, practice in action.^[3] The commentary (Bhāṣya) of 'Ācārāṅga' has marked parijñā i.e. comprehending and abandonment, self restraint and renouncement as conduct.^[4] This is the wider acceptance of the meaning of 'conduct', which includes both knowledge and conduct. Comprehending and giving up are two types of parijñā.^[5] Thus, comprehending (the righteous) and renouncing (the non- righteous) collectively provides the complete meaning of the ācāra i.e. conduct.