________________ 166 TATTVARTHA SUTRA accepting the required articles is called Eshana Samiti; that while picking up or while placing any object is called AdanaNikshep Samiti; and that while disposing the wastes is called Utsarga Samiti. Gupti and Samiti are closely related. They together constitute eight main precepts of Lords. Since those precepts are helpful to the spiritual aspirants like mother's milk to her baby, they are termed as Ashtapravachanmata (eight motherly precepts). This sutra specifies the activities, which mainly pertain to monastic order, because observance of Gupties and Samities is primarily meant for them. Samities can, however, be observed to some extent by laymen too. They should also remain vigilant while undertaking their activities. उत्तमः क्षमामार्दवार्जवशौचसत्यसंयमतपस्त्यागाकिञ्चन्यब्रह्मचर्याणि Er: 119-611 9.6: Uttamah Kshamamardavarjavshauchsatyasanyamtapastyagakinchanyabrahmacharyani Dharmah (Forgiveness, mildness, straightforwardness, purity, truth, self-restraint, austerity, renouncing, absence of possession and celibacy constitute the topmost religion.) This sutra stipulates the following ten attributes as the topmost religion. i) Kshama: This denotes forgiveness. That necessitates the spirit of forbearance. During the life we come across many occasions, when we feel hurt by the action or utterance of someone. In that case we are prone to nurse grudge or maintain animosity towards that person. If it is within our power, we may even try to hurt him. But that would prompt Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
