$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 24

Our natural instincts cause us to seek pleasures, which are usually derived from these sense organs. Many times in pursuit of these pleasures, we knowingly or unknowingly indulge in immoral, unethical, illegal, or harmful activities. These pleasures obstruct the path toward spiritual uplift. For example, our skin likes to have a soothing touch, we crave tasty food, we like to have pleasant smell around us, we like to see attractive objects, and we like to hear pleasant sounds. When we do not have these pleasurable experiences, we become unhappy, frustrated, disappointed, and sometimes angry. Ächärya Mahäräj controls these pleasures and remains in perfect equanimity whether these sensory experiences are favorable or unfavorable.
Nine Ways to Guard against Sensual Pleasure (Brahmacharya Väda)
Our scriptures have defined the following nine ways for strict observation of vow of the celibacy:
• Not to stay near or in a place where persons of opposite sex, eunuchs, or animals live
Not to be alone in a lonely place with a person of the opposite sex
Not to observe the body of a person of the opposite sex
Not to sit at the same place where a person of the opposite sex has been sitting until a certain amount of time has elapsed
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Not to consume intoxicating food or liquids
Not to eat tasty foods. Just eat simple food in moderation
• Not to adorn or decorate the body and to wear simple clothes
Free and Detached from Four Passions (Kashäyas)
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Not to listen to the conversations of couples and not to live in a place where one must share a common wall with a couple
Not to think about any sensual pleasures or experiences of the past from the time before renunciation
Krodha (Anger)
Mäna (Ego)
• Mäyä (Deceit)
Lobha (Greed)
Observation of Five Great Vows (Mahä-vratas)
Ächärya Mahäräj observes these great vows and does not ask, encourage, or appreciate anybody who
indulges in any activity, which is contrary to these vows.
Ahimsa
Nonviolence
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Satya
Achaurya
Brahmacharya
Aparigraha
Truthfulness
Non-stealing
Celibacy
Non-possessiveness
Complete and total commitment to nonviolence, in thoughts, words, and actions
To speak only harmless truth
To take only those things which are duly given Complete and total avoidance of sensual pleasure
To own no money, property, or ornaments but own only the bare minimum or necessary clothing and pots to accept alms (Sädhus of Digambar sect do not wear any clothes because they consider clothing as a possession)
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2