Essence of Jainism

SR No.: 001537
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1988
Total Pages: 228
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 12 MB

Page 171

Jiva and Pancaparamesthi
147
Q. : How many differences are there in the internal devotion
of man? A. : Just two : One is Siddha-bhakti and the other Yogi-bhakti.
Siddha-bhakti is the propititation of the infinite virtues of Siddhas. Yogi-bhakli is the propitiation of the virtues of Yogis ( = munis).
Q : Why do we salute first the Arihanta and then the Siddha etc. ?
A. : Two are the orders of attaining to an object. One is Pūrvānu.
pūrvi the other Pascănupūrvi. Referring to the smaller after the greater one, is Pūrvānupūrvi and to the greater after the smaller, is Paścānupūrvi. Of the five Parameșthis, Siddha is the greatest and Sadhu the smallest. This is because the Siddha state of the development and sublimation of the life-force is its climax; the state of Sadhu being the first stage of the Sadhanā. The Pūrvānupūrvi order in salutation is resorted to here for this reason. From the point of view of annihilation of Karma, Siddhas are superior to Arihantas. Yet both are equal from the point of view of fulfilment. From the point of view of worldly dealings or practical point of view, Arihanta is superior to Siddha. This is because the indirect form of Siddha is revealed to us by Arihanta. The Arihantas are there. fore looked upon as superior and saluted first.
(Darsana aur Cintana, pt. 2, pp. 522-532 ]
God, Preceptor and Religious Elements
Technically Jain tradition is to be found in three elements - God, Preceptor and Religion. The absolutely pure state of Atmā is the element pamed God. Genuine spiritual Sādhapā to attain to this pure state is the element designated Guru. Proper and discriminative self-control constitutes the element known as dharma. These three constitute the very essence of Jainism. The spirit that preserves and nourishes this is its body.