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Mahavira and His Relevance
'Svadhyāya' connotes not only the self-study but study of the literature which proceeds one towards salvation of the soul.
In Sthānangastūra the five steps of the method have been mentioned as: Vayana, Pucchana, Pariyattana, Anuppeha and Dhammakahā.
The first step of the Svadhyaya is Vachana, i. e. the study of the literature done by one's ownself or by the Acārya or Upadhyaya. The pupil this way develops the habit of study by self and can cover study of the larger material. Pracchana is the step where pupils put questions to their Acaryas. Whenever the clarification is needed. It is actually stage of questions and queries. The third step is 'Pariyattana' which is meant for revising and strengthening the material studied. This is actually the stage of
assemelation.
The fourth step of the method is 'Anupreksha' again gives pupils an opportunity to think, rethink and meditate on the study and strengthen and further the knowledge thereby. This meditation through concentration adds to the experience of pupils. The Dharmakatha the last step comprises of the discussion of the content studied among others. This way disseminating the knowledge gained by pupils.
The Jaina monks and nuns devote three-fourth of the day and night's time to this self-study or Svadhyāya.9
Education of the self, in Jaina canons can produce a solution in this rapid growth of materialism in our life. It can establish a fair balance. Education in Jaina canonical literature leads an individual to know fully ownself and to attain liberation and happiness, which is a cherished goal of life.
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