Some Śrāvakācāra texts which include prescriptions for the conduct of Jain laity refer to a set of seven vices (vyasana) consisting of gambling, drinking alcohol, meat-eating, whoring, hunting, thieving, and adultery. Based on an investigation of the primary sources, this paper surveys these seven vices and their historical background.
Section 1 of this article provides an overview of the classification and descriptions of the seven vices found in these Śrāvakācāra texts. It clarifies the following two points. (1.1) Texts which refer to the seven vices are comparatively few in number and the descriptions of the vices are highly stereotypical in nature. (1.2) Only the Digambara texts contain references to the seven vices. However, even among Digambara scriptures, those thought to be relatively old lack such references.
Section 2 examines the position and significance of the seven vices within the context of the conduct of Jain laity. The following three points are revealed. (2.1) The seven vices are not included in the main code of conduct for Jain laity. (2.2) The content of the seven vices overlaps with that of the notion of restraint (vrata) and other related concepts. (2.3) The seven vices stand in a close relationship with the eight fundamental virtues (mūlaguṇa) and an overlap or mixing of content between the seven vices and the eight fundamental virtues can be discerned.
Section 3 investigates vices described in non-Jaina texts, especially the Arthaśāstra, Manusmṛti, and Śyainikaśāstra. It emerges that something equivalent to the concept of the seven vices of the Jain laity was also in circulation in wider Indian society.
In light of the above, the article reaches the conclusion that, at some point, some Digambara monk introduced the concept of vices that was prevalent in general Indian society at the time into Jainism. Under his influence, other monks then reproduced this concept in their own writings.
