$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

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

Page 74

Jain monks and nuns should not stay long at any one place to avoid developing attachment to any particular place or people. However, during the monsoon, there is generation and breeding of a lot of germs and insects that can be hurt by trampling, etc. Therefore, during that period, the monks and nuns are required to stay at one place. During the rest of the year, they should continue to move barefoot from place to place. Such movements have to be made without using any vehicle, because manufacture, maintenance and movements of vehicles can cause a lot of violence.
This is no doubt a rigorous code. However, Jain monks and nuns however willingly observe the code. They are oriented towards the well-being of the soul. They know that physical comforts or discomforts are transitory and the soul is not affected by such ever-changing situations. They can therefore easily stay unconcerned about physical well-being. Moreover, they train themselves for undergoing the rigors of the monastic code by undertaking fasts and other austerities. Because of the observance of such rigors, Jain monks and nuns are held in high esteem. The laity considers them as enlightened entities and reveres them as spiritual guides.
Recently, we have been witnessing a tendency towards avoiding the rigors of this code. Many monks now make use of light footwear. There are also monks who do not mind the use of vehicles and who stay with their hosts and willingly avail of their hospitality. This tendency towards relaxation has to be examined in the present perspective.
Many Jains have now settled in countries outside India. They need the guidance of monks for ritual performances and other religious activities. They invite monks to their new countries that cannot be reached without the use of vehicles. In western countries, where climatic conditions necessitate adequate protection, the traditional monastic wear of wrapping the body with two pieces of cloth does not work. Nor is it feasible to go from home to home for alms.
Realizing the need of the hour, Ächärya Tulsi has created a new cadre of male Shamans and female Shamanis. They are well trained in the various aspects of Jainism; they learn English and communicate well with the people. Such Shamans and Shamanis renounce worldly life but are permitted to use vehicles and stay with their hosts.
The code of conduct for laymen is known as Shrävakächär. Most of the stipulations of the monastic code are applicable to them with a modified extent. For instance, laypersons also should control their mind, speech and body to the extent possible. As householders, they are of course required to undertake various worldly activities. While doing so, they should not lose sight of the right perception. If they happen to transgress the limits of Shrävakächär, they should atone for the same. Shrävak Pratikraman Sutra, which is popularly known as Vandittu, lays down the transgressions of the right perception as follows.
संका कंख विगिन्द्रा, पसंस तह संधवो कुलिंगीसु.
सम्मत्तस्स- इआरे, पक्किमे देसि स
वंदित्तु सूत्र
Sankä Kankha Vigichchhä, Pasansa Taha Santhavo Kulingisu
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Sammattassaiäre, Padikkame Desiam Savvam. -- Vandittu Sutra
If I have indulged during the day in any transgressions of Samyaktva like harboring doubts, expectations, wavering faith, adoration of the wrong faith or close contact with misbelievers, I must atone for the same.
Shrävaks should of course not do any injustice to others and should stay vigilant to avoid hurting any living being. They cannot remain without any possessions, but they should lay voluntary limitations on their possessions and desires. In place of the major restraints, they have thus to observe five minor ones called Anu-vratas. Moreover, they should observe three auxiliary restraints and four disciplinary restraints.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2