Concept of Divinity in Jainism

SR No.: 001637
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: P Ajay Kothari
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 248
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Devotion
File Size: 15 MB

Page 124

Thus, Devendra Suri observes fifty seven types of Samvara, viz. five Samitis (cautiousness), three Guptis (self control), ten Dharmas (virtues), twelve Anuprekshas (contemplation or reflection), twenty two Parishaya (victory over hardship) and five Charitra (conduct).212
Further, Samvara is also the observance of austerities and the great vows (Mahavrata) viz., Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition).213
A true Jain householder has to pass through eleven stages of spiritual progress, technically called pratima, in order to elevate himself and reach the highest stage of liberation, divinity. There are eleven pratimas which are as follows214 : i) The stage of right vision (darshana-pratima). ii) The stage of observing vows (vrata-pratima). A Jain householder should observe twelve vows consisting of five minor vows (anuvrata), three guna vratas and four sikshavratás. iii) The stage of practising equanimity (samayik pratima). The householder has to observe equanimity and practice concentration on self (samayik) for forty eight minutes. iv) To observe weekly fast (paushadh-pratima). v) Avoiding the use of animate articles (sachitta-tyaga-pratima). One must not use or eat uncooked roots, fruits, seeds, vegetables etc. vi) Abstinence from eating at night (ratri-bhukta-tyaga-pratima) vii) Complete celibacy (abrahama-varjana-pratima). viii) Renunciation of all worldly occupations and engagements (arambha-tyaga-pratima). ix) Renunciation of all worldly concerns (parigraha-tyagapratima).
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THE CONCEPT OF DIVINITY IN JAINISM