Path of Arhat

SR No.: 001745
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T U Mehta
Publisher: Sohanlal Smarak Parshwanath Shodhpitha Varanasi
Publication Year: 1993
Total Pages: 262
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Spiritual, Religion, & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

Page 173

148 ] The Path of Arhat : A Religious Democracy principles suggested by Ācārya Kuna-kunda in his «Pañcastikaya'. They are :
(1) “That jiva, which through desire for outer things, experiences pleasurable or painful states, loses its hold on self and gets bewildered and led by outer things. He becomes determined by the other."]
(2) "That Jiva, which being free from relations to others and from alien thoughts, through its own intrinsic nature of perception and understanding perceives and knows its own eternal nature to be such, is said to have a conduct that is absolutely self-determined.”2
The first proposition contains a negative aspect and points out the root cause of being determined by the other', i. e., in other words, losing freedom and getting dominated by outside forces. The second proposition contains a positive aspect by showing the basic process of achieving self-determination. The first teaches us non-attachment to worldly objects while the second exhorts us to be introspective to know who we are, what is our true nature and what is alien to our own self.
Any code of conduct would be superfluous for one who can properly understand and follow these two broad principles, because the five principles of right conduct known as *Pañcaśīla' come easily and naturally to such persons. The Five Principles
These five principles are : 1. Ahimsā (Non-violence ), 2. Satya ( Truth ), 3. Asteya ( Non-stealing ), 4. Brahmacarya ( Chastity ) and 5. Aparigraha ( Limiting or restricting one's possession ).
If a person faithfully and honestly follows these five by mind, speech and action, he completely closes all the outlets 1. Pañcâstikaya, Gathā 163; See Indian Philosophy, Vol. I,
Dr. S. Radhakrishnana, p. 326. 2. Pañcastikaya, Gatha 165; Ibid.