Can a person put saugandh on someone else that “you have this deity saugandh if you do this”
In Jainism, the concept of "saugandh" generally refers to taking an oath or vow, often invoking a deity or a sacred object as a witness to one's promise. Jain teachings emphasize the importance of truthfulness (satya) and non-attachment, and discourage invoking deities or making vows in a way that binds others or oneself with negative emotions or intentions.
Key points according to Jain philosophy:
- Personal Responsibility: Jainism emphasizes individual responsibility for one's own actions (karma). Forcing or putting an oath (saugandh) upon someone else is not aligned with the Jain practice of non-violence (ahimsa) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
- Use of Deities in Oaths: While lay Jains may sometimes invoke Tirthankaras or other sacred entities in daily practice, Jainism fundamentally teaches that liberation is achieved through one's own efforts, not by reliance on deities or external forces.
- Discouragement of Coercion: Coercing someone into a vow or using the name of a deity to bind someone else's actions is not encouraged, as it can create negative karma and goes against the principle of respecting others' autonomy.
- Right Conduct: True Jain conduct is about self-discipline and self-control, not about imposing vows or oaths on others.
Summary: According to Jainism, it is not appropriate for a person to put a "saugandh" (oath) on someone else, especially invoking a deity, to make them act in a certain way. Each individual is responsible for their own conduct, and coercion or imposing vows on others is not supported by Jain principles.