________________
सातवाँ अध्ययन : रोहिणी ज्ञात
( 399 )
Am
CONCLUSION
an
This seventh story of Jnata Dharma Katha emphasizes the importance of rational and progressive way of life. The value of sincerely following the code of conduct on the spiritual path has been skillfully presented through a family drama. The ascetics who multiply (enhance the perfection in) the five grains of great vows become objects of reverence for all the ascetics in this life and finally cross the ocean of rebirth. On the other hand the ascetics who throw away (do not observe sincerely) the grains of five great vows become the objects of criticism and contempt and are caught in the cycle of rebirth indefinitely. The other two situations are stages in progressive development.
This story clearly reveals that the rules and codes applicable on the spiritual path are also applicable on the mundane path simply with minor variations. A healthy moral attitude has the same importance irrespective of the person being mundane or spiritual.
THE MESSAGE
The merchant is Guru, guests are the religious organization, the daughters-in-law are the ascetics on the spiritual path, and the five grains of rice are the five great vows. (1)
Ujjhika, according to her name, threw away the grains and consequently was put to manual labour suffering misery. (2)
Similarly the ascetic who, after taking the five vows before the guru in presence of the organization, abandons the path under the influence of fondness and illusion. (3)
becomes object of public contempt during this life, gets trapped in the cycles of rebirth, and suffers misery (4)
Bhogvati, according to her name, swallowed the grains and consequently was put to a little respectful manual labour, but still suffering misery. (5)
Similarly the ascetic who observes the five great vows considering them to be the means of earning his living and using them for the same purpose, is infected with the craving for food and other
ve
CHAPTER-7 : ROHINI JNATA
( 311 )
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org