Jaina Path of Ahimsa

SR No.: 001626
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir Research Centre
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 90
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, Ahimsa, & Discourse
File Size: 5 MB

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22. Adarsana, i.e., slack-belief or temporary lack of faith,
For exmaple, on failure to attain supernatural powers even after great piety and austerities, to begin to doubt the faith of Jainism and its teachings.
It is laid down that these 22 sufferings should be ever endured without any feeling of vexation, by one who desires to get rid of all causes for pain.
The Jaina Path Of Ahimsa
Apart from these three types of supplements to Ahiṁsā-vrata which are considered useful in achieving Samvara, i.e, stoppage of influx of Karmic matter into the soul, there is one more important supplement to Ahimsa-vrata known as the "Practice of Tapa", i.e., observance of austerities. These austerities are regarded as essential things for achieving Nirjara, i.e., the schedding of Karmic matter from the soul, which is a necessary condition to the attainment of Moksha, i. e., salvation. The Jaina scriptures distinguish twelve kinds of austerities, as the expedients of Nirjarā, grouped together under the two headings of Bahya Tapa, i. e., external austerities, and Abhyantara Tapa, i. e., internal austerities.
(i) Bahya Tapa:
The six external austerities are:
1. Anasana, i. e., periodical fasting,
2. Avamodarya, i.e, eating less than the capacity of the stomach, 3. Vṛtti-parisankhyāna, i.e., putting restrictions in regard to food, for example, to accept food only if a certain condition is fulfilled,
4. Rasa-parityaga, i.e., daily renunciation of one or more of six kinds of delicacies, viz., ghee, milk, curds, sugar, salt and oil,
5. Vivikta-sayyasana, i. e., sitting or sleeping in a lonely or isolated place, devoid of animate beings, and
6. Kāyaklesa, i.e., mortification of the body so long as the mind is not disturbed.
(ii) Abhyantara Tapa :
The six internal austerities are
1. Prayaschitta, i.e., expiation,
2. Vinaya, i.e, reverence,
3. Vaiyavṛtya, i.e., service of the saints or worthy people,
4. Svadhyaya, i.e, study.
5. Vyutsarga, i.e., giving up attachment to the body, etc., and 6. Dhyana, i.e., concentration of mind.