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 260

Their Ascetics : 215
1) to renounce, during the day and the night that follows, all sinful thought, word and activity. That is called the “sāmāyika”,
2) to praise several times each day the 24 Tarthankara. That is called the “caturvimśatistava.
3) to greet with respect his "guru” for a monk, her "guruņi” for a nun, the senior monks or nuns, the "Acārya”, “Upadhyāya" and “Bhattāraka” according to the obedience. The greeting includes to ask forgiveness for the transgressions of the day or of the night according to the moment and to recite a specific “mantra”. That is called the "guru vandana".
4) to proceed to self-examination (ālocană), ritual confession and common repentance, with the recitation of long "sūtra” on monastic obligations. That is called the “pratikramana",
5) to abstain from certain foods and beverages for a particular period of time. The "guru” or the “guruņi" may add some other abstentions. This rite comprises the recitation of specific“ sūtra”. It is called the “pratyākhyāna.”
6) to renounce the body, by remaining motionless while standing, sitting or lying down in case of health problems or old age, while reciting the “Namokāra Mantra” and to do a profound concentration of mind (dhyāna). This rite must be performed, every day, for at least one Indian “muhūrta”. Very harsh, it is to purify the body and to help the ascetic to be aware the body is distinct from the soul. Such rite must lead the ascetic to become more and more detached from the body and so to arrive to remove all the “karma" that drives the soul to imperfection, transgression, ignorance, etc. Such specific Jain posture may have a tantric character, in particular among the Śvetāmbara. It is the “kāyotsarga" (abandonment of the body).