$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

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

Page 37

have therefore to remember that so long as one retains worldly expectation, his or her knowledge and perception are bound to remain shallow. c. Nirvichikitsä or Nivvitigichchhä: Nivvitigichchhä or Nirvichikitsä means unflinching faith and absence of wavering mind. True conviction does denote the absence of wavering, even after gaining conviction; a person may come across some new knowledge or information. This may tend to waver one's mind. This term therefore stipulates having firm faith in what one has learnt. The term has an additional significance for Jains. Jain monks may be unclad and if they are clad, their clothing may not be very neat, clean or attractive. It is possible that one may get a sense of disgust, disaffection, or despise the monks by looking at them clad or unclad. The spiritual aspirant has however to realize that outward cleanliness is not the criterion for internal purity. Since the monks are expected to have gained internal purity, there is no reason for being disaffected by their outward appearance. Thus, the absence of disaffection is also a part of Nirvichikitsa. d. Amoodha-drashti or Amoodh-ditthia: Amoodha-drashti or Amoodh-ditthia means not to be influenced or swayed from ones conviction by outward shows, displays etc. Suppose one happens to witness a grand procession of some sect, and he is impressed by such a show and thinks that Jain performances are rather dull and dry. This would tend to shake his faith. This aspect therefore lies down that his conviction of the true faith should be so strong that he would not be unduly influenced by such outward shows and displays, however glamorous they may be. e. Uvavooha or Upabruhan: Uvavooha or Upabruhan means adoration of virtues and includes appreciating even the minor virtues with a view to encourage the people concerned. The healthy encouragement works as an incentive that helps in raising the faith of such people. That should never verge towards undue praise. Otherwise, it would amount to flattery, which has to be avoided under all circumstances. f. Sthirikaran or Thirikarane: Thirikarane or Sthirikaran means stabilization. We have mentioned unflinching faith while discussing Nirvichikits. The difference between these two aspects is that the former deals with one's own faith, while this one deals with stabilizing the faith of others. This can be done by providing the right information or by otherwise extending help in understanding the true essence. Religious classes, training camps, bringing out publications, audiovisual discussions, study circles, discourses, and seminars are helpful in this respect. g. Vätsalya or Vachchhal: Vachchhal or Vätsalya means affection, however it also denotes sharing, caring, loving, helping etc. The person having the right perception would have innate affection for others belonging to the true faith. He would spontaneously try to help those who are in distress or afflicted in any way. Such help can take the form of financial, medical, educational or any other aid. Such help should be extended secretly so that the person getting the aid is not embarrassed in any way. The help can also be extended in solving problems or to redress grievances etc. Sädharmik Vätsalya, health fair, the collection of usable clothes for distribution among the poor and needy are illustrative of this aspect. h. Prabhävanä Prabhävanä means raising the esteem for the faith. Undertaking activities would make a favorable impression of Jainism on other people and society at large. Thereby, the people can be attracted towards the true faith and they can be induced to realize the importance of truth. Pratishtha Mahotsav, processions, conventions, cultural programs, exhibitions and other displays, giving awards, distribution of publications and other gifts to the people, and impressive participation in religious functions are the different modes of Prabhävanä.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2