Introduction To Jainism

SR No.: 034405
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre
Publication Year: 2015
Total Pages: 52
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

Page 24

Currection start -7-2015)
******** INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM3333
celibacy and Non possessiveness (lack of attachment or ownership towards material belongings or aspirations to possess them APARIGAHA). These saints are also known as "Anagar", Sadhus, Munis
etc.
These Monks Travel from one place to another by bare feet (without footwear and any use of vehicles) covering villages, towns, cities and deliver spiritual teachings & sermons to masses, they come across. Propagators & sponserers of minute non violence and protectors of six types of living beings. They do not consume any food or water after sunset till 48 minutes past next sunrise, This period is their fasting period all the times. "Ratri Bhojan" Tyag is the appropriate word for this routine. Besides, they pluck their hairs on head & face by hand to make clean shaved and this is their penance to test their monkhood with forebearance (tolerance) and balanced attitude. They bear pains, with equanimity, whatsoever.
This process of 'Kesh Lunchan', as technically called, is considered as external penance 'known as "Kaya Kalesh" A small verse in Gujarati defining monks life is given as under :
"JENA ROMA ROMA THI TYAG ANE SAMYAMNI VILASE DHARA AA CHHE ANAGAR AMARA...... DUNIYAMA JENI JOD JADE NA
EVU JIVAN JIVANARA
AA CHHE ANAGAR AMARA........ DIKSHANI SATHE
PANCH MAHAVRATA DHARANARA
AA CHHE ANAGAR AMARA......
MARG CHAHE HO KANTALO
PAHERE NA KAIN PAGAMA
HATHETHI / SAGHALA VAAL CHUNTINE
MATHE MUNDAN KARANARA
AA CHE ANAGAR AMARA.........
The death of jain Monks is called as Attained "Kaal Dharma". His dead body is placed on decorated "PAALKHI" (wooden Framed Small Temple type carrier) and taken for cremation, by Sangha and last rites are performed by eligible members of his worldly family, preceding diksha.
35
INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM X
CREATORS OF JAIN LITERATURE
The Sermons of Lord Mahavira delivered through speeches, were knitted by Ganadharas (first line disciples) in the form of prose &/or verses i. e. sootra form and then compiled into Agamas/ Scriptures. Scholars & Ancient Acharyas have made real efforts to give legacy by means of creation of spiritual literature containing substance of Philosophy of ATMA (Spiritual Self) through these scriptures (Agamic literature)
Acharya Umaswati has compiled "Tatvartha sootra" Acharya Hari Bhadra Soori, Acharya Siddhasen Divakar, Acharya Hemchandracharya, Poojya Kunda Kunda Acharya, Poojya Anandaghanji, Poojya Yashovijayaji, Poojya Heervijaysooriji, Poojya Buddhisagarji, Poojya Devendra Muni, Poojya Dharmasinhji & others have written many volumes (Granthas), on Jainism.
Poojya Banarasidas, Poojya Dolatramji, Poojya Amrutchandraji, Poojya Sakala kirti Acharya & others have compiled many volumes on Jain philosophy. Bhaktamar stotra was creation of Acharya Mantungsooriji; Muni Ratnakar has created "Ratnakar Pachishi" Poojya Ameet gatiji has framed "Samayik Batrishi", "Sadhu Vandana was the creation of Poojya Jaymallalji Maharaj sahib. Acharya Siddhasen Divakar's creation is "Kalyan Mandir Stotra" whereas "Parswanath Chintamani stotra" and "Arihant Vandanavali' are creations of Chirantanacharya (unknown) and one unknown ancient Bahushrut Muni respectively.
Acharya Somasundersoori and Merusundersoori have glorified Jin Gurjar Sahitya of Medieval period. Acharya Amolakhrishiji, Acharya Ghasilalji, Yuvacharya, Madhukarmuniji and a Poojya Amarmuni have enriched Agamaic literature. Acharya Rajendra Suri and Poojya Ratnachandraji has compiled Jain Shabdakosh (Dictionary).
Besides the creator of "Atmasiddhi shastra" Shrimad Rajchandraji, Pandit Todarmalji, Pandit Bechardasji and Pandit Sukhlalji have also given exclusive contribution to the creation of Jain literature.
DUTIES & CODE OF CONDUCT OF MONKS
Those who accept Monk's life by renouncing worldly householder's life and undergo Diksha-Pravajya process with avowed commitment of Ascetic life (Truth, Nonviolence, Non stealing,
36