Mahavira and his Philosophy of Life

SR No.: 006934
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Vidya Samsthan
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 80
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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(a) The ideal thing for a Muni is to control totally his physical, mental and vocal activities and to fix himself in the Atmanic experience. Such a sublime endeavour is termed Gupti. Thus from the stand-point of the highest ascent, signifies the withdrawal of mind, body and speech from virtue and vice, and from the auspicious and inauspicious activities, but from the stand-point of Subhopayogi Muni, it means the recoiling of the triple agencies merely from the inauspicious deeds. The observance of carefulness in moving, speaking, taking food, keeping and receiving things, evacuating bowels etc. is termed Samiti. It may be noted here that the Muni accepts food not for increasing strength, enhancing longevity, gratifying relish, and attaining bright look, but for performing spiritual study, pursuing self-control and meditation.
(b) It is an evident fact that attachment to senses and sensuous pleasures creates enormous difficulties in the spiritual path. Hence a Muni controls the five senses from their attachment to colour, sound, smell, taste and touch. In order that the senses may be curbed a Muni should neither be attracted by beauty nor repulsed by the ugliness of things, the sense of hearing should not be led away by any tune whatsoever, the sense of smell should not be seduced by, the fragrance of things, the sense of taste should not be overcome by different kinds of juices, and lastly the sense of touch should not be led astray by different kinds of touch.
(c) A Muni performs six essentials. (i) Sāmāyika : He develops an equanimous state of mind in the midst of life and death, loss and gain, pleasant and unpleasant events, friends and foes, pleasure and pain. (ii) Vandana : He
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