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Chapter 18 - Samvar (Prevention) Samvar (Prevention of Karma) The process of stopping the influx of Karma is called Samvar. Pure(Highly spiritual) internal state of the soul causes the restraint of the mental, vocal and bodily activities which in turn inhibits the inflow of karmic matter(Samvar). The higher the spiritual stage, the lesser the inflow of karmic matter. The greater the cessation of the inflow of karmic matter, the higher is the spiritual progress of the soul.
As all the holes of a sinking boat are plugged, no water enters in the boat; similarly, when one stops all activities leading to influx (Asrava) like Mithyätva, etc. (as discussed in the previous chapter), one prevents the influx of Karma. Äsrava is the problem, and Samvar is the solution. Äsrava is the state of sleepiness, and Samvar is the state of alertness. Asrava takes the Jiva to a lower level, and Samvar takes the Jiva to a higher level. Samvar is the right thing to do; it is the right path for spiritual progress. Five Causes of Samvar
• Samyaktva (Right Faith) • Vrata (Vows)
Apramäda (Vigilance) • Akashaya (Absence of passions)
• Ayoga (Absence of activities). Samyaktva (Right Faith): Just as false belief (Mithyätva) causes influx of karmas, right faith leads to stoppage of influx of karma (Samvar). This is the first step towards journey to spiritual progress. Right faith is:
• is to have firm and unwavering belief in nine fundamentals and six substances. • True belief in the relationship between body and soul.
• Elimination of the highest level of passions (Anantänu-bandhi) of anger, pride, deceit and greed. Samyaktva is the first step of the journey to Moksha. To attain the right belief, one has to know the Tattvas described in Jainism, has to suppress or eradicate four Anantänu-bandhi Kashaya. One does not attain the right belief without the proper knowledge of differentiating the soul from the body, called Vivek Jnän or Bhed Jnän. If one meets the true spiritual guide and has a light bondage of Karma, he can gain the right belief. Vrata (Vows): Vrata is the second factor for Samvar. Once Jiva attains Samyaktva, the next step is to begin renouncing sinful activities. Desire to follow vows is the desire to follow right conduct. Shrävak and Shrävikäs (householders with Samyaktva) take minor vows, while Jain ascetics (Sädhu and Sädhvis) take total vows. From the point of view of renunciation, both types of vows are acceptable. By renunciation (Vrata), one stops sinful activities. Only human beings and some five sense beings Tiryanchas (animals, birds, etc.) with analytical and reasoning power are able to take vows. Human beings are able to take total vows, while Tiryancha can take only some minor vows. Jain scripture indicates that Heavenly beings and hellish beings are unable to take vows.. Therefore only human beings have the opportunity for higher spiritual progress and ultimately to attain liberation.
Apramäda (Vigilance):
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2
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