Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
[1]
First Study: Samayik Vrata Sutra
I accept, O Venerable One, the Samayik Vrata. I renounce all sinful actions, for the duration of my life, with my mind, speech, and body. I will not commit them, nor cause others to commit them, nor will I approve of those who commit them.
O Venerable One, I repent for my past sins, I condemn them in my mind, I denounce them in your presence, and I completely abandon them.
Meaning: O Lord! I accept the Samayik Vrata. Therefore, I renounce all sinful actions.
For the duration of my life, I will not commit any sinful actions with my mind, speech, and body, nor will I cause others to commit them, nor will I approve of those who commit them.
O Venerable One! I repent for my past sins, I condemn them in my mind, I denounce them in your presence, and I completely abandon them.
Discussion: When a seeker aspiring for liberation moves from household life towards the path of complete renunciation and virtue, this Samayik Sutra is recited. According to Jain tradition, it is mandatory to take refuge in this Samayik Sutra to attain the position of a world-benefactor saint.
The purpose of Samayik is the practice of equanimity. To hold equanimity towards all living beings is a great and noble ideal. The scriptures say:
"He who is equal to all beings, both mobile and immobile, he alone attains Samayik."
- The Kevali Bhagavan, in the Anuyogadwar, has said - He (the seeker) who holds equanimity towards all mobile and immobile beings, he alone attains Samayik.
Jainism is a religion based on equality. Samayik is the practice of equality. The etymology of the word Samayik is as follows: 'Samasyah ayah samaayah, sah prayojanam yasya tat samaayikam' - that is, the practice whose purpose is to bring equality in life.
When a householder Shravak accepts Samayik, he generally renounces the sinful actions for one Muhurta, that is, 48 minutes, with two Karana and three Yoga. In Jainism, it is essential to have Karana and Yoga in any renunciation or rule. Karana means -