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 141

IV. ĀCĀRA OF THE HOUSEHOLDER
119
after giving up even the former, only hot water should be taken. Subsequently fasting should be observed. Then after entirely devoting himself to the meditation on the fivefold holy names of Arahanta, Siddha, Acārya, Upādhyāya and Sadhu, the aspirant should bid farewell to his body.
While practising Sallekhanā, the Sādhaka should avoid the following faults: 1) desire to live, 2) desire to die, 3) remembrance of friends, 4) revival of past pleasures, and 5) expectations for future prosperity. Samantabhadra takes out 'revival of past pleasures and puts 'fear' in its place. According to the Uvāsagadasāo the defects are 1) longing for this world, 2) longing for the next world, 3) longing for life, 4) longing for death, and 5) longing for sensual pleasures.
CHAPTER V
Acāra of the Muni
SUMMARY OF THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER: In the previous chapter we have dealt with the householder's ethical discipline. We have, in the first place, pointed out that the householder is incapable of removing the inauspicious psychical states root and branch. Secondly, we have dwelt upon the nature of violence, falsehood, theft, non-chastity and acquisition and have endeavoured to derive from it the scope of partial vows (aņuvratas) of the house-holder. Thirdly, a survey of the different conceptions of Mūlaguņas together with the various views regarding the problem of eating at night has been made. Fourthly, the nature and the various interpretations of the seven Sīla Vratas have been discussed. Fifthly, the conception of the eleven Pratimās, after reconciling it with the aforementioned Vratas, has been dealt with. Sixthly, we have shown that the representation of the householder's ethical discipline on the basis of Paksa, Caryā, and Sādhana is capable of comprehending in a systematic way the conception of Mūlaguņas, twelve Vratas, eleven Pratimās, and lastly Sallekhanā (spiritual welcome to death). Finally, the nature and process of Sallekhanā after distinguishing it from suicide, have been expounded.
1 Ta. sū. VII: 37. Puru. 195. Amita. Śrāva. VII. 15. Sāgā. Dharmā. VIII. 44. 2 Ratna. Srāva. 129. 3 Uvāsagadasão. I. 57. (Trans. vide N. A. Gore).