Study of Jainism

SR No.: 001748
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T G Kalghatgi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 1988
Total Pages: 252
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Philosophy
File Size: 13 MB

Page 172

Jaina Philosophy
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which gradually eliminates the karmic particles and sometimes reduces the intensity of the effects of karma (kṣayāpasama). From now onwards the upward process for self-realization starts. We have to take two important steps in this direction. 1) Samvara refers to the stoppage of influx of karma and 2) Nirjara - which refers to the removal of the accumulated karma. These two are graduated steps. Sarvara has first to be there and then we can adopt Nirjara.
Saruvara is the stoppage of the influx of karma. As the inflowing water through the inlets is prevented from coming in order to clean the tank, so also the influx of karma from different sources has to be stopped first if the bondage is to be removed. The function of samvara is the first step towards the realization of the self in the spiritual sphere
Samvara is of two types : 1) Dravya sarvara and 2) Bhava samvara.64 Dravya sarrara refers to the stoppage of the influx of the karmic particles of matter. It helps reducing possibilities of the long duration of saṁsara. The psychic accompaniment of the influx of karmic particles have also to be stopped. The stoppage of the psychic accompaniments and psychic causes of the influx of karma is the bhavasamvara.
The process of samvara would be possible through its various forms which primarily consist of mental and moral discipline. It has been suggested that there are 57 ways of samvara : a) 5 samitis (Irya-samiti, bhașa samiti, Esaņd samiti, Adana nikṣepaņa-samiti and Utsarga samiti. b) 3 Guptis (kaya, váca and Manasa) c) Control of 22 parişahas (afflections) d) 10 duties (daśalakșana) e) 5 Caritras (Rules of conduct) and f) 12 Anupreksas (Reflections).65 "In the Sūtra-kstarga it is said that he who is purified by meditating on these forms of samvara is compared to the ship in water which is sailing towards the other shore of perfection.
It has also been suggested that samvara is of 5 types : These five types are 1) Vţata (Practice of vows) 2) Apramada (Deligence) 3) Saryaktva (Right attitude of mind and right knowledge) 4) Akaşaya (avoiding the passions) 5) Ayöga. It is cessation of