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 216

Modus Operandi
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body; Bhașa, to take care in speaking so as not hurt anyone; 'Eşana', to take care in accepting alms so as to receive the same in accordance with the rules prescribed for monastic order; Adana-niksepapa' and 'Utsarga' or Pratiştha panā, both require care in taking and giving as well as in throwing away bodily refuse. The central idea of all these different types of limitations and restrictions is Ahimsa. One should not think, speak or do anything which even most remotely would involve the element of violence. The standards prescribed for monks are so much strict and rigid that to suit the modern age many adjustments are required to be made. For instance, as a rule, the Monks have to go on foot wherever they want to go. They therefore cannot use a vehicle. They also cannot use a microphone. If these limitations are rigidly followed, bulk of the society would be deprived of their contact and preaching. However, it should be remembered that these limitations are prescribed keeping in mind only one principle namely, each one of us is expected to concentrate upon his own individual emancipation and if we can successfully do it social emancipation is bound to follow. Aosterities ( Tapascarya )
Jainas are famous for their austerities. Every year during the holy-days of ‘Paryuşana' the monks and nuns as well as the house-holders perform very hard and strict austerities of various types. Many persons go on fast for months. Some take the vow of alternate fasts throughout a year. Even children and teenagers perform fasts, ranging from a day to a week, and in some cases, which are rare now a days, some persons end their life by voluntarily renouncing every thing including food and water and going into deep spiritual contemplation called “Santhara' or 'Samllekhana'. Lord Mahavīra himself carried out severest austerities of various types for long twelve years and earned the title of Mahāvīra meaning, a great warrior. His long period of severe austerities also earned him the title of a 'Dirgha Tapasvī" (one who has carried out hard austerities ). At the successful end of an