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 147

V. ĀCẢRA OF THE MUNI
125
7) The incentive of the constitution of the universe (lokānuprekşā): The portion of space which includes the living and non-living substances is termed Loka and the rest of the empty space is called Aloka. This universe is beginningless, self-evident, indestructible, and needs no creator as is assumed by some other systems of philosophy. The nature of the constitutive substances of the universe has been already discussed in the chapter on metaphysics. Besides, the characteristic nature of the self from different standpoints has also been dwelt upon. Such philosophical reflection would enable the aspirant to know his real status which would necessarily yield spiritual inspiration.
8) The incentive of the difficulty of attaining the right path (bodhidurlabhānuprekṣā): The acquisition of the three jewels, which are capable of unfolding the divine potentialities, is very difficult on account of the rarity of adequate qualifications. Man has the privilege of attaining salvation but to be born as a human being is only a chance; it is again a chance to be born with the necessary accompaniments for the practising of austerities and meditation. Somadeva* remarks that "unceasingly wandering on the ocean of transmigration, a sentient creatutre is born as a human being by chance. Even then, birth in a family respected by the world and association with the good are as rare as the coming of a quail within a blind man's grasp." "Released from birth in the plant world, after much sufferings a sentient being is again born in the hells on account of his sins, then in the genus of animals, mutually hostile, and then again among uncouth men resembling animals." "He who wastes his human birth, obtained after cherished desire, with thoughts of disease, sorrows, fear, pleasures, wife and children, might as well consign a heap of jewels to the flames for the sake of ashes; verily his soul is blackened by mighty ignorance.” Even if by a stroke of fortune he is again born as a human being with all the material facilities, he may lack right instruction.5 Even if that be obtained, sensual pleasures may while away his time. Again, even if he gets rid of the sensual enjoyments, the performance of austerities and meditation is met with difficulties. Keeping in view, therefore, these formidable obstacles in the practising of holy asceticism, one should
1 Jñānā. p. 54-1.; Müla. 713. 2 Mūla. 712. Jñānā. p. 54-3, 4. 3 Mülā. 755, 756.; Bhaga. Ara. 1867, 1869. * Yas and Ic. p. 306. 5 Sarvārtha. IX. 7, p. 418. Ibid.