Handbook of Jainology

SR No.: 001346
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 15 MB

Page 54

The creation and the conduct or management of the universe 9
The remaining Bhavya jivas get the Charamavartkal. But they get it mainly with the help of time. Actually, they get it only after the limited time has passed. After the Jiva enters the Charamavartkal with the help of time, when the Jiva gets the support of auspicious Karma and of consequent merit; and when it attains the state of a Panchendriya or a jiva with five senses; and then after the Jiva carries out the necessary endeavours, he attains Dharma. In this manner. Destiny, Time, Nature and Karma and endeavour these five causes function. The Jiva may attain the state of a noble human being; or after a Jiva attains, by virtue of noble deeds, the company of heavenly beings, spiritual heads, and Dharma, he may develop the spiritual outlook even in the Charamavartkal; and he may attain spiritual progress. Such a jiva attains the spiritual view and engages itself in the pursuit of Dharma when he wants to do so. The implication of this is that when the first four causes are convenient and favourable, and if endeavours are to be made, then the spiritual view arises after the necessary endeavours are made. In other words, the soul, by virtue of its endeavours, brings about the spiritual view, and by virtue of the same power, it engages itself in the pursuit of Dharma. The Jiva does not develop the spiritual view and does not pursue Dharma on account of such causes as Destiny etc. The Jiva that puts forth endeavours attains various kinds of development. We shall discuss this from various points of view.
THE TREE OF DHARMA :
If we conceive of Dharma as a tree, first of all we have to sow the seed of Dharma in the soil of the soul. The seed of Dharma means an adoration of Dharma and an attraction for Dharma. This seed of Dharma is attained by a Jiva when he engages himself in the pursuit of Dharma by praising somebody's spiritual austerity (Japas) or someone's extraordinary magnanimity. He must praise it thus, "Oh! what a beautiful endeavour! What a lofty kind of adoration of Dharma !" Those who merely worship wealth or enjoyments and merry making, feel thus"; What stupidity this is! They are foregoing mirth by carrying out meaningless austerities! They are wasting money on these futilities !"