Ethical Doctrines in Jainism

SR No.: 006955
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh Solapur
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 322
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 8 MB

Page 129

IV. ĀCĀRA OF THE HOUSEHOLDER
107
forbear mentioning that Bhakti Dāna should be distinguished from social charity (Dāna) inclusive of Karunā Dāna. The three Pātras (deserving recipients) receive gifts out of devotion but Kupātras and Karuṇāpātras should be given from moral or social point of view. It is to the credit of the Jainas that they have not ignored the social aspect of Dāna in emphasizing Bhakti Dāna or Pātra Dāna. 2) As regards the qualifications of a donor concerning the Pātra Dāna, the donor must possess the seven virtues; namely, belief in the result of of Dāna given to the Pātras, affection for the merits of Pātras, pleasure at the time of giving and after giving, knowledge of the suitable gifts proper to the different Pātras, absence of longing for worldly benefits, control over anger even at a critical juncture, showing real enthusiasm in such a manner as may astound even the wealthy persons. All these are respectively called: faith (Sraddhā), devotion (bhakti), joy (samtoșa or tuşti), wisdom (vijñāna), unattachment (alubdhatā, or alaulya), forbearance (kşamā), and enthusiasm (sakti or sattva). The Tattvārthabhāşya enumerates eight characteristics, namely, absence of jealousy towards the recipient (anasuyā), absence of sorrow in giving ävişāda), absence of condescension towards the recipient (aparibhāvitā), joy in giving (prītiyoga), auspicious frame of mind (kusalābhisamdhitā), absence of desire for worldy benefit (drştaphalanapekṣita), straightforwardness (nirupadhatva), and lastly, freedom from desire for other-worldly benefits (anidānatva). 3) To consider the things worthy of gifts, generally four kinds of gifts have been recognised; namely, food, medicine, books and fearlessness. 3 Food, medicine, Upakaraņa" (religious accessories) and the place of shelter is the other list of four objects. All these things should be worthy of the Pātras. Only such things should be given as are useful for the pursuance of studies and for practising austerities of a very high quality, and as do not bring about attachment, aversion, incontinence, pride, sorrow, fear and the
1 Amita. Śrāva. IX. 3-10. Vasu. Śrāva. 224. Cāritrasāra. p. 26. Sāgā. Dharmā. V. 47. 2 Ta. sū. Bhā. VII. 34. (I have practically followed the translation given in the Jaina
Yoga, pp. 153-154.) Amstacandra enumerates almost the same characteristics. (Puru. 169). 3 Kärtti. 352. Amita. Śrāva. IX. 83, 106, 107. Vasu. Śrāva. 233. 4 Ratna. Grāva. 117. Caritrasāra. p. 26. Yaś. and Ic. p. 283. 5 Upakaranas differ for a Svetāmbara and a Digambara monk. We need not mention them here.