Dharmaratnakar

SR No.: 090136
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jaysen, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh
Publication Year: 1974
Total Pages: 530
Language: Hindi, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari, Religion, & Principle
File Size: 38 MB

Page 19

Introduction
·7
of food, dutics cannot be performed, human ends are not achieved, and the structure of the society cannot be sustained. Food is essential to every one in some form or the other (its varieties noted). Gift of food is most praiseworthy, and the worthy donor achieves great benefits. There are various types of donors, and some are like birds which give food only to their kids. Kings like Śreyamsa, Madhu, Vajrajangha etc. are exemplary donors (23). Donation of food etc. should be given without expecting anything in return and thereby an atmosphere of satisfaction is created. Dana carns merits which are a beneficial provision for journey to the next world. Temples of Jina, images of Jina, the fourfold Samgha and Jinasastra are worthy. fields for sowing the seeds of Dana. Constructing new temples and repairing the old ones are beneficial and bear great fruits. Likewise are fruitful the erection of Jinabimba and giving sastras to others. All these are meritorious acts which yield rich dividends. Those who put these into practice are few and far between. By consecrating various types of Jinapratimas (49-50) one earns great Punya (57). Likewise devotion to Jina is highly beneficial.
IV Sadhu-paja and its Fruits;
Cultivation of Virtues is quite necessary; and one should always see who is worthy (patra) or otherwise (apaira): the example of king Bali should be noted. The congregation of Jaina monks deserves highest respect and patronage; the Jaina monks are a great support for the practice of Dharma; and it is through Punya that one comes across them (30). Jaina monks are an outstanding patra in view of some great quality or the other; and they all deserve respect. Really worthy monks are scarce some are outstanding in their knowledge, while others in their conduct. study of scriptures is a great qualification, and a learned monk is worthy of praise. Equally praiseworthy is that monk who has Samyag-darsana which goes with Jñana. Samyagdarsana has its varieties and characteristics; and it has to be free from certain blemishes. It is a prerequisite of Liberation; and Right Knowledge follows it, but Right Conduct may or may not. A monk with Right Faith, though deficient in conduct as a result of bad times, deserves to be honoured if one monk is faulty in conduct, one should not treat all the monks like that (-50). Reverence unto monks, ignoring their minor defects, brings purity of mind and religious merit. A monk should be looked upon as sal-patra, worthy' of gift of food etc. by a householder whereby his faith in religion gets confirmed. A man of faith has vatsalya for his coreligionists and is further endowed with religious and social virtues (-62). Great monks are free from attachment and aversion; and they visit the houses of worthy, householders (69)Monks endowed with five Mahavratas are welcome as merited Śravakas (-77). A satpätra like a Nirgrantha monk is rare a good patra, intention to give and a worthy gift are all the results of Panya. When a worthy receipient is available, there should be no delay in bestowing dana whereby one's wealth is worthily used wealth undonated or unused is doomed to destruction (-84). Moha or attachment for wealth is ever powerful, so one should overpower it and give dana at every opportunity, without yearning for anything in return (-91). There should be no hypocrasy in religious practices; and monks who are the support of the church must be given food etc. where. by one earns religious merit. Generous Śravakas always bestow kärunya, kindness or