Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

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A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
211
In the Prākṣta language word 'prāyaścitta' is termed as pāyacchitta'. The origination of word 'pāyacchitta' has been described thus'pāya' means pāpa (sin or demerit) and 'cchitta' means destruction. In this way, the process which destroys sin, is ‘pāyacchitta (expiation).1
There is a vast difference between expiation and punishment.
Suppose, a man has done a wrong deed due to negligence. After it he repents heartily for this wrong deed. He goes to his elders and clearly tells them all about his wrong activity and prays them to give any kind of punishment for the purification of that misdeed. He accepts the punishment told by the elders and practises the hardships etc., then it is expiation.
Now we take punishment. The ruler gives punishment to a criminal. First of all, he doe; not confess his guilt. He tells thousands of lies to escape himself from punishment. The judge or ruler needs proofs and witnesses to ascribe crime. If anyhow the crime is proved and he sentenced a legal punishment. Still there is no repentence in his mind and heart. He accuses judge, advocates and witnesses. So there is no chance of reform of the criminal by punishment.
Another difference is that, when expiation is self-punishment; while punishment is external. First is internal and second is external.
Ten types of prāyaściita are described in Sthānanga sūtra.?
By prāyaścitta (expiation) the defects are removed and the heart becomes pure. The simple hearted man can practise prāyaścitta (expiation).
VINAYA Vinaya (modesty) is directly related to heart. It is a spiritu il quality.
The word Vinaya (modesty) has been used in three different meanings, in the Jaina litera ture. These are
1 Pañcāsaka saţika, Vivarana 16-3 ? (a) Sthānānga, 10 (b) Bhagavatī, 25, 7