Jaina Mysticism and Other Essays

SR No.: 006933
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 166
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

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who observes Brahmacaryānu-vrata, Satyāņu-vrata and Atithisaṁvibhāgavrata follows more or less all the duties that the Upanişadic teacher wants his disciple to pursue. The four classes of virtues enunciated in the Gītā (see infra p. 85-86) may be compared with the different types of virtues prescribed in Jainism, namely the three Guptas (control of the mind, body and speech), the control of the five senses, the causes of the auspicious Asrava, 63 the sixteen kinds of reflections, 64 freedom from passions, the five vows of Ahimsā, Asteya, Brahmacarya, Aparigraha and Satya along with their several attributes to strengthen them, and the ten Dharmas viz., forbearance, modesty, simplicity of behaviour, contentment, truth, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and celibacy. The fifth group of the Gītā may be compared to some of the incentives to spiritual life according to Jainism, 64a with the importance of knowledge, conduct, study, meditation and austerity,os and also with solitude, endurance, equanimity in pleasure and pain, and conquest of attachment, aversion and infatuation. The Sättvika austerity may be compared roughly with the internal austerity as propounded by Jainism. The extent of austerity in the Gitā does not correspond fully with the external and internal austerity of Jainism. The sole purpose of austerity according to Jainism is to unfold the divinity within. Hence, the Rajasa and Tāmasa austerities do not count to the Jains. The vow of Atithisamvibhāga-vrata? corresponds to the Sättvika charity of the Gitā. It is stressed in Jain religion that all auspicious observances should be made without deceit (Māyā), perversity (Muthya) or desire for material benefits (Nidāna).68 Though the yearning for worldly fruits is to be condemned, the desire for spiritual betterment is to be appreciated.69. It is to be borne in mind that in contrast to the Upanisdas and the Gitā, Jainism lays stress on Ahimsa as the guiding principle from which all other virtues can be derived; the stress in the Upanişads is more on Truth than anything else.
Meditation
Next to be considered is Yoga or devotional meditation. The importance of Dhyāna (meditation) is seen when the Mundaka Upanişad pronounces that the immaculate nature of God can be realised neither by sight, nor by speech, nor by any other sense, nor by austerity,
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