Jains Today in World

SR No.: 001794
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 360
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E005
File Size: 24 MB

Page 174

Their Laymen and Laywomen : 133
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The eleven gradual spiritual steps are:
is the step of right faith or right vision (darśana-pratimā)
At this level, the householder should possess a perfect faith in Jainism and a sound knowledge of its tenets and their application in daily life. He (she) must have the right vision of what reality is, be free from misconceptions and from attachment to worldly pleasures.
2nd the step of vows (vrata-pratima)
The devotee must observe, without any transgressions, the twelve vows of the Jain laity that we will see later in this chapter. He (she) may also take the vow of "sallekhanā" by observing the specific rules to perform it later. Such a person is called he (she) who has taken the vows: (vrati-śrăvaka) for a man, (vrati-śrávikā) for a woman.
3rd the step of meditation (sāmāyika-pratima)
The Jain householder who has reached this stage should perform regularly meditation (sāmāyika), in general, each day three times for 48 minutes i.e. one "muhūrta” (corresponding to the Indian unit of time). He (she) has to focus on several subjects that will be discussed later. A rosary (mālā) of 108 beads representing the 108 qualities of the Jina can be used while chanting or murmuring the “Great Mantra”. He (she) may also follow the advice of Acharya Tulsi and practice "prekșa-dhyāna" similar to Yoga that includes techniques of relaxation and surrendering of the body by autosuggestion.
4h the step of fasting (prosadhopavāsa-pratimā)
From this step onwards, the layman or woman will fast regularly as a rule twice a fortnight in each lunar month and at the occasion of many festivals. The entire period of fasting has to be spent in prayer, study of scriptures, meditation and listening of religious teachings. Fasts may be practiced according to different moods we will see later in this chapter.