Doctrines of Jainism

SR No.: 014008
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 104
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 5 MB

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The Doctrines of the Jainas
state lasts for a short while only. After that the aspirant either goes down by adopting a wrong attitude (Mithyadrsti) or advances by taking a right one.
The fourth Gunasthana is Samyagdrsti, attained by the aspirant with the right attitude and a firm faith in truth. His passions (Kasayas) become weak in intensity and last for a short period only. In general, the person whose enmity or other passionate feelings last for more than a year is considered to be under the effect of Anantanubandhi and therefore not a Samyagdrsti. It is necessary for a Jain to purify his heart of all passions at least once a year. This is why the Jains are so particular about observing the festival of Paryushana, which is an annual festival of self-purification and introspection.
A Samyagdrsti is expected to posses the following five virtues : Sama-natural tranquillity of soul caused by the subsidence of passions; Samvega-discrimination between right and wrong; Nirveda_aversion to sense pleasures; Anukampa-kind-heartedness and generosity; a natural desire to see everybody happy; Astikya--firm faith in truth. His heart is full of love for others. He tries to help miserable persons. Amitagati has beautifully depicted the Samyagdrsti's behaviour in the following lines :
O Lord, may my soul cultivate the habit of friendship with all beings, of pleasure in seeing the virtuous, of kindness towards the afflicted and of indifference to opposition.
The fifth Gunasthana is Desavirati. The aspirant in the fourth was expected to have a right attitude but not to do anything on the practical side. He was not expected to observe any vows or to practise the restraints necessary for self-purification. This start is made in the fifth