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108 Attributes of the Five Supreme Beings Jains respect and worship the qualities of five very worthy personalities and they are known as Pancha Paramesthi, namely, Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sädhu and Sadhvis (all ascetics). Jains do not worship them by name, but they worship their qualities and virtues known as attributes. There are a total of 108 attributes of the five supreme beings. Both Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions define 108 attributes, but there are some differences. The Jain Mälä or rosary has 108 beads, which signify the 108 attributes of the five supreme beings. The 108 attributes are as follows:
Pancha Paramesthi Number of Attributes Arihanta or Tirthankar Siddha Acharya Upadhyay Sädhu
108
Total
Arihanta or Tirthankar Arihantas have 12 unique characteristics as follows: • The four main attributes are known as Atishaya.
The other eight attributes are endowed by heavenly beings at the time of Keval-jnän and are known as Pratihärya.
Four Main Attributes or Four Atishaya Vachana A Tirthankar delivers an extraordinary sermon. Atishaya Jnän
The sermon delivered by a Tirthankar is well Atishaya understood by all human beings, animals, and
heavenly beings in their respective languages. Pujä
A Tirthankar is worshipped by all mundane souls of Atishaya the whole universe. Apäyäpgamä No calamities or diseases are present in the vicinity Atishaya of a Tirthankar.
Note - Some Jain literature indicates that Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Perception, Perfect Conduct, and Infinite Energy (the four Anant Chatushtay) are the four main attributes rather than above mentioned four Atishaya. Eight Pratihärya - Endowed by Heavenly gods Simhasan
A divine seat from where Arihanta delivers his
sermon. Bhämandal A halo behind Arihanta's head is always
present. Chämar
Heavenly beings wave diamond studded fans
(Chämar) to honor Arihanta's greatness. Chhatra Traya A three tier divine umbrella over the head of a
Arihanta is always present, which suggests that the Tirthankar is the king of the entire universe that consists of three regions - Heaven, Hell,
and Earth. Ashok Vruksha The Ashok tree under which Arihanta sits to
deliver sermons. Pushpa Vristi A continuous shower of fragrant flowers. Deva DundubhiA divine announcement declaring Arihanta's
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Divya Dhvani
sermons. Celestial music accompanying Arihanta's sermon.
Some Jain literature expands the above 12 attributes to 34 attributes of Tirthankars also known as 34 Atishaya. Some differences exist between the Shvetämbar and Digambar traditions in defining these Atishayas. 34 Atishaya of a Tirthankar - Shvetämbar Tradition:
4 Attributes Present at Birth: • Divine and healthy body, which is fragrant and without perspiration • Fragrant breath • Milky white, odorless blood and flesh • Invisible food intake (diet) and excreta
11 Attributes attained at Omniscience or Keval-Jnäna:
Eight attributes indicating absence of disease, enmity, calamity, plague, flooding, draught, famine, and political unrest up to a distance of 125 Yojan (ancient degree of measurement 1 Yogan = approximately 4 miles). The Tirthankar's sermon, though delivered in Ardha-Magadhi language, is understood well by all, including animals, and is heard clearly up to 1 Yojan away.
Aura or Halo (Bhämandal) - A circle of light around Tirthankar's head. • A total of 10,000,000 x 10,000,000 (=100,000 billion) human beings, heavenly beings, and animals can be
accommodated within a space of 1 Yojan Square when a Tirthankar delivers sermons.
19 Attributes Created by Heavenly Gods: • Wheel of dharma (Dharma-chakra) that moves with Tirthankar • Chämar
A throne Three layered umbrella over the head of Tirthankar
A flag (Dharma-Dhajä) • Nine golden lotus flowers to walk upon
A gold, silver, and jewel-laden fort (Samavasaran) for delivering sermons Visibility of Tirthankar's face from all directions while delivering sermons Ashok tree Thorns face downwards while Arihant is walking Trees bow down to Tirthankar Music from divine drums at the time of sermons Cool soothing breeze Circumambulation of birds Sprinkles of fragrant water
Shower of fragrant flowers • Hair and nails do not grow following renunciation
Ten million heavenly beings always accompany Tirthankar The seasons are always favorable
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34 attributes of Tirthankar - Digambar Tradition
10 attributes present at birth:
Most beautiful body
• Body full of fragrance
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•
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•
10 attributes acquired upon attaining omniscience: Prosperity exists all around in the presence of Arihanta
Body devoid of perspiration
Body devoid of excretion
Peaceful and soothing voice
Unmatched physical strength
Milk-like blood
Total compassion
• Life devoid of obstacles
1008 desirable birthmarks and features
Proportionally built body
Solid physique
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• Perfect knowledge
•
• No blinking of eyes
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•
Walking without touching the ground
Visibility of Arihanta's face from all four directions
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•
No food required to sustain life
14 Attributes Created by the Heavenly Gods:
• Facilitating a universal language
No growth of hair and nails
• Clear skies
No formation of a shadow of body
Fruits, crops, and flowers flourish year-round irrespective of season
• Miles and miles of neat and clean grounds all-around
Lotuses made from gold under Tirthankar's feet
Sounds of reverential praises in the skies around Tirthankar
• Blowing of slow and fragrant breeze
• Fragrant rain
• Removal of all potential obstacles from the land
Contentment all around
• Movement of the Dharma-chakra (symbolic wheel of religion) in Tirthankar's Samavasaran
• Presence of eight embellishments; Chhatra, Chämar, Dhajä (flag), bell, Kalash (sacred vessel), fan, swastika, and mirror around the Tirthankar
Enabling all beings to get along with each other
Clean air all around
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Siddha Siddhas are liberated souls. They are no longer among us because they have completely ended the cycle of birth and death. They have destroyed all their Karma, and they do not acquire any new karma. This state of true freedom is called liberation. By destroying all 8 types of Karmas, Siddhas manifest 8 unique attributes as follows:
Eight Attributes of Siddhas
Attributes
Meaning
Name of Karma
4 Attributes by destroying Four Ghäti Karma Anant-inän Infinite knowledge Jnänävaraniya
Karma Anant-darshan Infinite perception Darshanävaraniya
Karma Anant-chäritra Perfect conduct Mohaniya Karma Anant-virya Infinite energy Antaraya Karma
4 Attributes by destroying Four Aghäti Karma Avyäbädha- Eternal happiness Vedaniya Karma sukha Akshaya-Sthiti Immortality
Äyushya Karma Arupitva
Formlessness Näma Karma Aguru-Laghutva Equality among all Gotra Karma
Siddhas Acharya The teachings of Lord Mahävir are carried on by the Acharyas. They are the spiritual leaders and the heads of the congregation of monks, nuns and lay people. They possess the following 36 qualities: Thirty Six Attributes of Ächäryas - Shvetämbar Tradition 18 Attributes with regards to elimination of 18 Impurities • 5 Attributes of self-control over the pleasures of the 5 senses
Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, and Hearing 9 Attributes to follow 9 restrictions for observance of celibacy
Not to live where lay people (Shrävaks and Shrävikäs) live Not to sit alone with a person of the opposite gender Not to talk in private with a person of the opposite gender Not to observe the body of the opposite gender To only eat bland but pure food (not dressed with spices) To avoid food that produces impurity of the mind Not to adorn the body Not to remember past sensual pleasures
Not to listen to the private conversations of others • 4 Attributes to avoid the 4 types of passions
Anger, Ego, Deceit and Greed 18 Attributes with regards to 18 Qualities to Acquire • 5 Attributes pertaining to follow the Five Great vows
Nonviolence, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Celibacy, Non-possessiveness / Non-possession 5 Attributes related to observe the five codes of conduct regarding
Knowledge, Faith, Conduct, Penance, Vigor
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.
5 Attributes related to observing carefulness
Walking, talking, obtaining alms, putting clothes and other things and disposing bodily waste
properly 3 Attributes to restrain the three medium of activity
Regarding activities of mind, speech and body
.
Thirty Six Attributes of Ächäryas - Digambar Tradition Digambar tradition, however, mentions thirty-six attributes of Acharyas as follows: • 6 External Austerities
Anashan (Not eating for a set period of time) Unodari (Eating less than needed) Vritti-sankshepa (Eating within the limits of predetermined restrictions)
Material - Eat only a certain number of items Area - Eat only within limits of a certain area Time - Eat only once at a certain time
Mode - Eat food only obtained or made by certain means Rasa Tyag (Eating non-tasty food (reflection of temptation - example; Ayambil Tapa) Käya-klesha (Penance, tolerating physical pain voluntarily)
Sanlinatä (Staying in a forlorn place and occupying minimum space) • 6 Internal austerities
Prayashchitta (Repentance or remorse) Vinay (Humility, Respect for others) Veyavachcham (Selfless service to monks, nuns and needy) Swadhyay (Study of religious scriptures) Dhyana (Meditation)
Käyotsarga (Giving up physical activities and staying absorbed in the soul) 10 Religious Virtues
Kshamä (Forgiveness) Märdava (Humility) Arjava (Straightforwardness) Shaucha (Contentment - absence of greed) Satya (Truth) Sanyam (Self-control) Tapa (Austerities) Tyag (Renunciation) Äkinchan (Non-possessiveness)
Brahmacharya (Celibacy) • 5 Ächär (Codes of Conduct)
Darshanächär (Codes of Acquiring Right Perception) Jnänächär (Codes of Acquiring Right Knowledge) Chariträchär (Codes of Acquiring Right Conduct) Tapächär (Codes of Austerities)
Viryachär (Codes of Exercising Energy or Vigor) • 6 Ävashyaks (Essential Duties)
Devapujä (Prayer to Tirthankars)
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Gurupästi (Devotion and service to Gurus) Swadhyay (Studying of Scriptures) Sanyam (Self restraints) Tapa (Penance)
Däna (Imparting knowledge and Protection of Life) • 3 Guptis (Control)
Mano Gupti (Control over mind) Vachan Gupti (Control over speech)
Käya Gupti (Control over body) Upadhyay This title is given to those Sådhus who have acquired complete knowledge of the Jain scriptures (Agams) and philosophy. They teach Jain scriptures to other ascetics and lay people. Upadhyäys possess 25 attributes. These 25 attributes are the symbolic representation of the 25 Jain scriptures they study. These scriptures are as follows: Twenty Five Attributes - Shvetämbar Tradition • 11 canonical texts (Anga Agam) compiled by the Ganadharas, who were the immediate/first disciples of
Tirthankar • 12 canonical texts (Upangas) compiled by Shruta Kevalis • 1 scripture of proper conduct • 1 scripture of proper practice Twenty Five Attributes - Digambar Tradition • 11 Canonical texts (Anga Agam) compiled by the Ganadharas (same for all Jain sects) • 14 Purva Agam (Oldest Jain scriptures) compiled by the Ganadharas (same for all Jain sects) Sädhu and Sädhvi Jain literature defines 27 attributes of ascetics. Both Digambar and Shvetämbar traditions have some differences in defining these attributes. Also, the Shvetämbar literature defines two groups of 27 attributes. When lay people (Shrävaks and Shrävikäs) wish to detach from the worldly aspects of life and gain a desire for spiritual upliftment, they renounce their worldly lives and become Sädhus (monks) or Sädhvis (nuns). They must follow the five great vows known as five Mahävratas The great vows of monks and nuns imply not doing, not asking someone to do, and not appreciating someone's act of breaching of these vows by mind, body or speech.
5 Mahävratas (
Great Vows) Ahimsa
Nonviolence
Satya
Truth
Asteya
Non-stealing
Not to commit any type of violence. Not to indulge in any type of lie or falsehood Not to take anything not given voluntarily. Not to indulge in any sensual pleasures Not to acquire more than what is needed to maintain day-to-day life
Brahmacharya
Celibacy
Aparigraha
Nonpossessiveness
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27 Attributes of Ascetics Shvetämbar Tradition (group 1)
5 Great vows to follow 5 senses to control - To control the pleasures of five senses; touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing 3 activities to control: mind, speech, and body (Three Guptis) 6 types of souls to protect
Protection of five one-sensed lives (water, fire, earth, air and plant known as Sthävar souls) and one group of mobile living beings (two-sensed to five-sensed living beings grouped together
known as Trasa souls) Observe restraints • Not to eat before sunrise or after sunset
Practice forgiveness Avoid greed Endurance of hardship Endurance of suffering Introspection
Keep a pure heart Shvetämbar Tradition (group 2)
5 Great Vows (Maha-vrata) to follow 5 senses to control - To control the pleasures of five senses; touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing 3 activies to control: mind, speech and body (three Guptis) 4 Kashayas to avoid, which are the four passions: Anger, Ego, Deceit, Greed 3 attributes related to following the proper conviction or faith, knowledge, and conduct (Darshan, Jnän, and Charitra) 2 types of dhyana to Practice - which are Dharma dhyana and Shukla dhyana. 5 Activities and Regulations to Practice (5 Karan) Practice of yoga Practice total forgiveness Disinterest in worldly affairs and interest only in removal of Mithyatva and Kashaya (Interest in liberation - Samvega) Enduring hardships and suffering with equanimity known as conquering of Parishaha Endurance and fearlessness towards death and associated pains, and also acceptance of voluntary death known as Sanlekhana
Twenty Seven Attributes of Ascetics Digambar Tradition Attributes of the Digambar monks (Sädhus) vary somewhat, with one significant requirement that male monks are sky-clad, or do not wear any clothing. • 5 Great Vows Mahä-vrata • 5 Samiti
Irya Samiti (carefulness while walking) Bhasha Samiti (carefulness in talking) Eshana Samiti (carefulness while receiving alms) Ädäna Nikshepanä Samiti (carefulness while handling clothes or any object)
Pärishthä-pänikä Samiti (carefulness while disposing of bodily waste) 5 senses to control - To control the pleasures of five senses; touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing 6 Ävashyaks (Essential Duties - same as in Digambar Acharyas)
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________________ Devapuja (Prayer to Tirthankars) Gurupasti (Devotion and service to Gurus) Swadhyay (Study of Scriptures) Sanyam (Self restraint) Tapa (Penance) Dana (Imparting Knowledge and Protection of Life) 6 Other Attributes Kesha-lochan (Plucking of own hair) Asnana (No bathing) Bhumi Shayan (Sleeping on the floor) Adanta-dhovan (No brushing of teeth) Uttisthan-ahar Sevan (Eating food in standing posture) Ekabhukti (Eating one meal a day only) Some schools maintain monks (not nuns) wearing no clothes, as an attribute in this section. According to them monks have twenty-eight attributes instead of twenty-seven. The Jain ascetics possess the above attributes. Their activities are directed towards the upliftment of their souls to the state of liberation. Pravin K Shah Jaina Education Committee jainaedu@gmail.com 919-859-4994