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

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The Unknown Pilgrims
approached on its own ground, introduced in its own specificity and with the use of its own terminology, it is not an isolated phenomenon; it has a place, a role to fulfill among the other traditions, a unique meaning to convey. It is by reason of this special function that we are going to try to discover what western word is the most appropriate to use to designate those members, men and women, of the Jaina tradition who have chosen to devote their lives to an exclusively spiritual search based on a well-defined teaching.
1. Ascesis, Asceticism
These two words, both of which are to be found in any spiritual vocabulary, are used interchangeably.
Etymology and different meanings of the word
"The etymology of the Greek word askeø, ask'sis, asc't's, is unclear. Homer uses it to express the idea of an artistic work (IL. 10, 438; 23, 743; Od. 23, 198) or of a technical work (IL. 3, 388; 4, 110); Herodotus employs it in the same way: to fashion an ornament, adorn (3,1; 2, 130)."2 Later the word was used in different settings. In a physical sense: sustained physical effort, such as that of athletes or soldiers. In a moral sense: the exercise of intelligence and will-power in the acquisition of virtues and in freeing oneself from the grip of evil passions. In a religious sense: the methodical pursuit of perfection leading to the contemplation of God. It is above all in Philo, of the Jewish tradition at the beginning of this era, that the word has this connotation and it was adopted, with certain slight adaptations, by several Fathers of the Church, in particular by Origen and Clement of Alexandria.3
2 Olphe-Gaillard, 1936, col. 939. Ask 'tria denotes a 'nun'; cf. Chantraine, 1968, p. 124.
3
Cf. Olphe-Gaillard, 1936, col. 939-941.