Jainism a Way of Life

SR No.: 250176
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: B P Wadia
Publisher: Z_Vijay_Vallabh_suri_Smarak_Granth_012060.pdf
Publication Year: 1956
Total Pages: 8
Language: English
Classification: Article & Philosophy
File Size: 552 KB

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174
ACARYA VIJAYAVALLABHASŪRI COMMEMORATION VOLUME
fraud with honesty; vanquish greed through contentment."
The most prolific source of violence precipitating retaliation and generating hatred is speech. Words are living messengers and should be used thoughtfully. Angry speech, falsehood, bragging and the like are bad; but more dangerous, because more subtle and unrecognizable in their evil influence, are the words of persons who use religious lore for selfish ends.
"Though many leave the house, some of them arrive but at a middling position between house-holder and monk; they merely talk of the path to perfection. The force of sinners is talking."-Sūtrakrtānga Sutra
And again says the Uttaradhyayana Sūtra : "Clever talking will not work salvation; how could philosophical disputation do it? Fools, though sinking lower and lower through their sins, believe themselves to be wise men.'
So the greatest of all wars is with our selfish deeds, our false speech, our lustful feelings, our proud thoughts. And the warrior within, the Pure Kşatriya, is our own spiritual soul-the possessor of knowledge and of intuitive perception. In this idea we gain an explanation as to why Mahāvīra and the other Tirthankaras were of Ksatriya caste. The victorious Warrior attains to Brāhmaṇahood and so the Acāränga Sūtra says that "the Noble Ones preach the Law impartially."
Now, our crdinary human nature likes to postpone the commencement of the Inner Life. When this inclination arises we must repeat the Sūtrakrtanga Sūtra :: Know that the present time is the best opportunity to mend.
"The strength to start the Holy War against our lower and violent self is within. • "Freedom from bonds is in your innermost heart."
-Acārānga Sutra He who does not undertake this Holy Mission is not a Jaina, though he be born of Jaina parents and observe Jaina rules of eating and drinking and such outer manifestations.
"The virtuous heroes of faith have chosen the great road, the right and certain path to perfection." --Sutrakstānga Sūtra
To entrench ourselves in right practice and develop right faith we must acquire the knowledge of true doctrine and, further, develop and feel devotion to those who know the Truth of Ahimsā.
Another excuse brought forward by men and women is this: "We have