Jain Journal 2011 07

SR No.: 520283
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satyaranjan Banerjee
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 54
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 6 MB

Page 15

Dr. Lopamudra Bhattacharyya :Layman-Ethics as Propounded in the Story
which is termed as right faith. Only right faith leads a righteous being to the fifth stage of spirituality, which is known to be the second very initial stage of righteousness. Though the first stage of righteousness starts in fourth guṇasthāna (stages of spiritual upliftment), the righteousness in fourth guṇasthāna needs no effort, it originates spontaneously. It is lowest and minimum level of righteousness. Whosoever believes in the doctrines of Jainology becomes a śrāvaka and he/she belongs to the fifth stage2. But a śravaka can never cross the fifth stage and to opt sixth stage it is necessary to be a monk. It needs extreme purification.
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śrāvaka-hood comprises three subsequent categories3, such as, pākṣka, naiṣṭika and sadhaka. These categories are determined on the basis of the grade of penances, vows, compulsory duties and subsequent stages of renunciation called pratima, stages of meditation etc. all these practices have great impression on knowledge, faith, conduct and righteousness. All these are some of the qualities become helpful for a corporeal on the head of final renunciation. Digambara texts have defined the śravaka code of conducts elaborately. Of which some of the books can be mentioned here. Ratnakarṇḍakaśrāvakāra of Samantabhadra, Navakāraśrāvakacāra of Yogendra Deva, Vasunandiśravakācāra, Sāgāradharmāmṛta of Paṇḍit Āśādhara, Śrāvakācāra of Acarya Padmanandī etc.
An account of Ananda's renunciation has been recorded in different stages of layman endeavour on the basis of his possessions compatible to his austerity. From the description of Ananda's riches and wealth in house hold life it is easily understood that how it would have been difficult for Ananda to adopt śrāvaka-hood. In the very initial stage of his renunciation when he was heading to bind the limits of his regular essential commodities, a revised list of cosmetics generally used at the time of bath was given which leaves us aback. Then it seems impossible to have an exhaustive account of his lusuries before he stepped into śravaka-hood. In the light of this description we can see how Ananda started his spiritual journey. As per the description of the text Ananda observed the highest level of laymen