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 56

The creation and the conduct or management of the universe
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which is called Samyagdarshan becomes the seed. From this seed there sprout the endeavours relating to the right knowledge, the right character and the right austerity and after those endeavours are put forth, at the end, the fruit of Moksha appears.
THE PATH OF SALVATION :
If we think of Dharma from the point of view of the path of Moksha, it would mean the right faith and the right character that can bring us Moksha or salvation. As it has been said already, when in the phase of Charamavartkal, a partial spiritual awareness appears; when the only leshya or the mental state relating to the attractions of the inert objects declines then the Jiva begins practising such virtues as lawfulness, gratitude, benevolence, kindness etc. This leads the Jivas towards the path of salvation, comprising the right faith etc. Therefore, such a life is called the life on the approach-road to the path of salvation; and it is also called the ordinary grihasthadharma.
If one keeps practising this ordinary grihasthadharma and if one gets the opportunity of meeting a noble spiritual head, one gets the opportunity of listening to and comprehending the path of salvation expounded by the Omniscient one. If we develop faith in it, we get the right faith or Samyagdarshan. Afterwards, one must carry out such austerities as showing devotion to and worshipping the Omniscient Vitrag Bhagwan; showing devotion to the sadhus who have renounced the samsar; who have taken such great vows as non-violence; and who abide by the commands of the Jin; listening to the voice of the omniscient one; going on pilgrimages to holy places; reciting the Shri Namaskar mantra through which the Panch Parameshtis, the supreme ones namely the Arihants, Siddhas, the Acharyas, the Upadhyayas and Sadhus are worshipped; and other austerities like Jap etc.
The Jivas possessing Samyag Drishthi or the right vision keep progressing; in them there appears the enthusiasm of vitality. They renounce grossly such sinful things as violence, falsehood, with solemn vows; and then they undertake the five Anuvratas. Besides these vows, they also undertake the three gunavrat ; the four Shikshavrat and carrying out the other