Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 342

The Unknown Pilgrims
contributes to the reduction of karmic matter and its disassociation from the jiva. The regular observance of them constitutes in itself a sign that a start has been made on the right path, while for ascetics it is the sign of a definite pledge; indeed, the chief act in the rite of dikṣā is the taking of the vow of samayika for life, a vow which is renewed twice a day.3 Sāmāyika is at one and the same time a state of life and the primordial āvasyaka.
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The word avaśyaka means: necessary, obligatory, indispensable, inevitable, that from which one cannot exempt oneself. In this context it refers to spiritual observances which are obligatory for all Jainas, because they constitute the implementation and practice in daily life of essential features of the doctrine. Since the first stage on the way towards purification is non-subjection to the passions, the sages consider the meaning of avaśyaka from this perspective: the one who is not under the domination of the vasyas (the senses) is a-vasya, stable, and he does not give in to cravings and impulses. His actions are avaśyaka, those of someone who possesses self-control.4
In terms of vyavahāra and niścaya the following aspects must be taken into consideration for each avaśyaka: nāma, name; sthāpanā, structure; dravya, consistence; kṣetra, place; kāla, time; bhāva, attitude. What is of supreme importance is the fundamental attitude, that is to say, the basic dispositions and uprightness of intention of the person pledged to this path. This attitude is manifested in concrete ways in daily life before or after certain actions and also at prescribed specific moments. There is thus the vidhi, the rite of the avaśyakas, which takes place morning and evening in accordance with an
3 This applies to the Śvetāmbara sädhvis; the Digambara āryikās observe the rite of sämäyika 3 times a day; cf. P 661 ff. śrävakas and śrāvikās make this vow for a limited period.
4 Cf. ADH VIII, 16; MA VII, 14.
5 Cf. Anus 149 and ADh VIII, 18-70.