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 167

V. ACARA OF THE MUNI
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19) If the saint is not disturbed or attracted by the disrespectful or respectful attitude of the persons around him, he has overcome respect Parīşaha. 20) By not allowing himself to be puffed up with pride of knowledge, the saint attains the designation of the conqueror of the conceit of knowledge Parīşaha. 21) The conquest of lack of knowledge Parīşaha points out that the saint does not succumb to despondency, even if he fails to acquire knowledge or inner illumination in spite of his severe austerities. 22) If the saint is not shaken in faith in the doctrine of truth even if years of austerities prove to be of no avail in benefiting him with certain saintly acquisitions, he has overcome slack-belief Parīşaha.
DISTINCTION BETWEEN PARĪŞAHAS AND AUSTERITIES: After dealing with the kinds and characteristic nature of Parīşahas and the attitude of the saint towards them, we now proceed to the exposition of the nature of austerities and their distinction from the Parīşahas. The difference between Parīşahas and austerities consists in the fact that the former occur against the will of the saint, who endures them or rather turns them to good account by contemplating them to be the means for spiritual conquest, while the latter are in concordance with the will of the saint to have the spiritual triumph. Secondly, most of the Parīşahas may be the creations of vicious man, cruel nature and jealous gods, viewed from the common man's point of view, but austerities are the enunciations and resolutions of the aspirant's soul. Again, if Parīşahas have enduring value, austerities have pursuing value. Thirdly, Parīşahas which are obstacles to spiritual life, represent themselves as the passing phase in the career of the aspirant, whereas the austerities form the indispensable part and parcel of the discipline which is enjoined in order to escape from this distressed and sorrowful worldly life. Lastly, we may say that the performance of austerities subscribes to the endurance of Parisahas with equanimity and unruffled state of mind.
NATURE AND KINDS OF TAPA (AUSTERITY): Austerity (tapas) implies the renunciation and rejection of desire, which is the real enemy of the soul. The Șațkandāgama pronounces that the extirpation of desire in order to actualize the triple jewels of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct is regarded as Tapa. Thus, in the Jaina view of Tapa, the idea of expelling all desires, the whole root of evil and suffering in favour of attaining to the freedom of the soul, tranquility and equality of mind,
1 Şať. Vol. XIII-p. 55. Anagā. Dharmā. VII-2.
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