Religion and Philosophy of the Jainas

SR No.: 001190
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Virchand R Gandhi
Publisher: Jain International Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 266
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, Ethics, & Principle
File Size: 13 MB

Page 200

STAGES OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Sanka means doubt. This would be the first transgression of samyaktva. You may doubt the truth of some of the statements of the philosophy; but this doubt is that which comes after having once been convinced of the truth of the statement. The doubt called samsaya mithyatva is a doubt experienced before ever having experienced the conviction of the truth of a statement.
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When a statement is heard or read (this refers of course more particularly to philosophical and religious matters), instead of saying "It may or may not be true" the fact should be recognised that the inability to understand the statement is due to weakness which will in time disappear.
2. Känkṣā. It is the state of mind which argues that because a person can do wonderful things or so-called miraculous things, that therefore such person can make true statements with regard to truth and life and the universe. The fact is that rogues and rescals are able to do wonderful things just as can good men. But the fact that the man can do miraculous things is no proof that he can make true statements with regard to truth.
3. Vicikitsa. This is the third mode of wavering from samyaktva. It is when after having followed the religion for a length of time, and then illness or suffering or losses or disasters come upon you, you blame the philosophy and doubt its efficiency. The truth of the philosophy must not be blamed, but the cause of the suffering should be looked for in past actions.
4. Mithyatva-prasamsa. Literally means praise of any one who is in mithyatva. The feeling that the fakirs who do all manner of absurd things must be very wonderful people with a truer religion; also the admiration of abominable persons who can be proved to be following wrong lives. For example, Nepoleon, Armour, Butchers, etc.
5. Atiparicaya. Literally means too much familiarity. It means the feeling towards a bosom friend that you cannot do without him (or her), etc., that you must always be with him, etc. It causes you to get into his way of life and so you soil your samyaktva. When a person is convinced, as above described, regarding