Jaina Philosophy and Religion

SR No.: 001604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nyayavijay
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 500
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Epistemology
File Size: 12 MB

Page 161

Jaina Path of Purification (Liberation)
133
something, then it is an austerity springing from ignorance. This austerity of kāyakleśa (mortification of the body) fulfils its spiritual purpose to the extent it is useful in purifying the mind and reducing attachment and passions. So one should reflect as to whether or not a particular form of kāyakleśa is conductive to spiritual welfare.
Internal Austerity Acārya Hemacandra in his Yogaśāstra' declares that in effecting dissociation of the karmic matter from soul the internal austerity is superior to the external one.
Internal austerity is also of six types. (1) Prāyaścitta (Atonement): That through which it is possible to make clean sweep of the defects born of negligence arisen in connection with a vow (vrata) that has been accepted-that is called Prāyaścitta. (2) Vinaya (Veneration): To hold in great regard the virtuous qualifications like knowledge, etc.—that is called vinaya. (3) Vaiyāvịttya (Service): To render service to somebody either through providing him with necessary means or through personally acting for his sake—that is called Vaiyāvịttya”. (4) Svādhyāya (Study): To undertake various studies and practices with a view to acquiring knowledge that is called Svādhyāya (5) Vyutsarga (Renunciation): To renounce the feeling of 'l' and 'my'—that is called Vyutsarga. (6) Dhyana (Concentration): Removing the distractions of mind to cultivate its power of concentration—that is called dhyāna.
Vinaya (Veneration or Respect) is divided into four categories, viz., jñānavinaya (respect for right knowledge), darśanavinaya (respect for right faith), caritravinaya (respect for right conduct) and upacaravinaya (formal respect). Respect for knowledge consists in acquiring knowledge and in engaging oneself in continuous study. Respect for right faith consists in not swerving from faith in what is real and true as also in attaining doubtfree condition of mind by removing doubts that may arise in its connection according to one's ability. Respect for right conduct consists in keeping one's mind peaceful and unagitated. Formal respect consists in showing respect by overt acts towards persons who are superior to us in virtuous qualities. Vinaya suggests renunciation of the mental states of pride and
1. nirjarākarane bāhyāc chrestham ābhyantaram tapah / IV. 91. 2. The Jaina religion regards even rendering service to others as a form of austerity
and includes it in the list of special types of austerity.