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 343

The First Steps on the Path
315
established order for the recitation of the sūtras, accompanied by appropriate gestures.
The āvaśyakas form one harmonious whole in which each contributes towards the attainment of the Three Jewels.
A - Sāmāyika: Renunciation of all blameworthy action
The root sama- expresses the idea of harmony, equality, smoothness, the absence of unevennesses, homogeneity. Sāmāyika is the state in which one is pledged to renounce evil, master and subjugate the passions, to regard with equanimity each and every being, thing or happening, to look upon them serenely, impartially, without variability of mood, without getting upset or overcome.
Master, what fruits accrue to the jiva from såmāyika? Through sāmāyika, the jiva abstains from all reprehensible activity.?
The vow of sämāyika is very simple, it is a life-promise:
- to renounce all reprehensible action, whether of the mind, of speech or of the body;
- to refrain from causing others to do such actions;
- to refrain from approving such actions. 8
6 We now introduce each of the avasyakas with some observations on the corresponding rite among the Svetāmbara sādhvis. In Part III we shall see how they are integrated into the daily life of the sādhvis and äryikās. Part IV contains the principal sutras of this rite.
?
sämāieņam bhamte! jive kim janayai? sāmāieņaṁ sāvajjajogaviraim jaņayai. US XXIX, 8.
8 Cf. AS I, 8, 4, 8, where Mahāvira maintains sāmāyika at the time of begging for food.