Essence Of Jaina Scriptures

SR No.: 022313
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jagdish Prasad Jain
Publisher: Kaveri Books
Publication Year: 2014
Total Pages: 508
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 38 MB

Page 405

BOOK III: THE CONDUCT
379
lay-followers (grahstha); by this highest happiness is (gradually) attained (by lay followers). (254)
Thus has been described good psychic-attention, having the form of excellent conduct on the part of persons possessing inclination (anuraga) towards the pure self.
Taking place by reason of the existence of a small amount of passion in those who have chosen complete abstention (virati) which reveals the pure self, this on the part of shramanas is secondary, because it is accompanied by attachment, which is repugnant to the actualization of the pure self.
But on the part of lay-followers, although it takes place in consequence of the existence of attachment,-inasmuch as, through lack of complete abstinence, they are without revelation of the pure self (read shuddhatmano'nubhavat, in agreement with the simile arkatejasa iva),-it is primary, since, like fuel experiencing the sun's heat through the intermediacy of the crystal, they experience the pure self in conjunction with attachment; and it gradually (kramtah) brings about the highest happiness of nirvana.
Now he proves that according to variant occasions (karanavaiparitya) good psychic-attention has variant effects (phalavaiparitya):
III.55. Excellent attachment brings variant fruits according to the particularity of its objects (vastu); as, at the time of harvest, do germs (seeds) fallen in different kinds of soil. (255)
Just as from similar germs (seeds) there is variance of produce due to variance of soil, so from similar psychic-attention, characterized as excellent attachment, there is variance of fruit, due to variance of receptacle (patra),131 since different occasions lead to different effects.
Now he exemplifies the variance (vaiparitya) in occasions and variance in results:
III.56. One who finds satisfaction (rati) in vows (vrata), observances (niyama), study (adhyayana), contemplation (dhyana) and liberality or charity (dana) with reference to objects (objective deeds, vastu) ordained for those who have not yet reached enlightened wisdom (chadmastha) does not obtain liberation from rebirth; he obtains a state characterized by pleasure (sata). (256)
The results of good psychic-attention, applied to objects set forth by the Enlightened Lord, is attainment of liberation from rebirth, preceded by accumulation of merit. --