Jain Studies and Science

SR No.: 006923
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahaveer Raj Gelada
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 272
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 33

JAINISM AND SCIENCE-AN OVERVIEW/31
uncontaminated by any form of Karma-pudgals. The doe's and don'ts by which we define any dharma, are therefore divided into two categories
Anagaar Dharma (prescribed to indoctrinated)
O
Agaar Dharma (prescribed to followers)
1.1. Anagaar Dharma (Precept of Initiated)
Shraman and Shramani-those who have renounced the worldly pleasures and family lives and have pledged to strictly adhere to the five ultimate vows (Mahavrata) of non-violence, non-larceny, non-indulgence, truth and renunciation. They abide by these guidelines in totality and even if these rules áre flouted inadvertently, they undergo reparation and atonement. They pray to the Arhats and the enlightened ones in temples.
Jain religion categorically denies the existence of any super-natural power or God as a creator and perpetuator of the universe and life. Nature exists and functions according to a set of rules with no scope for anybody's discretion. It therefore rests the responsibility on the individual oneself to attain liberation. Sadhu and Sadhvi, observing Anagaar Dharma, undergo penance and meditation in order to attain Mukti (liberation of soul). The extent of penance they undergo is aptly described by the Chinese traveller Hun Tsang. He writes in his two thousand year old travelogue, "Jain shramans are different from other Brahmins and sadhus in that they live nude. They uproot their body hairs themselves, their skin lacerate and their heels show cracks as a tree bark." This is an ample historic proof of arduous penances undergone by the shramans of Jain sect. It is believed that penance and meditation build the determination, which in turn shrugs off the Karma bondage. This emancipation eventually results in attaining right-vision, right-knowledge and right-conduct.
1.2. Agaar Dharma (Conduct of Disciple)
Jain sect comprises of four pillars or Tirths namely, Shraman, Shramani, Shravak and Shravika. Mainly, the conduct prescribed for latter pair is identical to the one for the former pair, it is just milder in the extent. While the five maxims are called Mahavrata in Anagaar, they are called Anuvrata in Agaar. In Anuvrata, twelve guidelines are laid down for a Jain disciple seeking to be spiritually oriented. They practice inhibition (of desires) and dissociation (from karma). They abstain from wilful violence and perform bona fide activities in their day to day social and professional spheres. For disciples of Jainism, some violence is inevitable during the course of discharge of worldly duties, but they