$JES 401 Jain Philosophy and Practice 2 Level 4 Book

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

Page 78

05. Viryachär (Code of Exercising Vigor Or Energy) अणिगूहिअ-बल-वीरिओ, परक्कमइ जो जहुत्तमाउत्तो. Anigoohia-Bal-Virio Parakkamai Jo Jahuttamäutto जुंजइ अ जहाथाम, नायव्वो वीरियायारो.
Junjai A Jahäthämam Näyavvo Viriäyäro
--- Panchächär Sutra पंचाचार के अतिचार When one applies his unrestricted capacity and vigor for practicing the spiritual code, as lay down, it is known as Viryächär or the code of exercising vigor. Use of one's energy is known as Viryachär, the code of exercising vigor. Like Tapächär, Viryachär also is a part of Chariträchär. In view of its importance, however, Jain tradition treats it as a separate part of the spiritual code. For undertaking any activity, one has to exercise (energy) vigor. That applies to worldly as well as spiritual aspects. This is obvious and well known to everyone. The question would naturally arise: why do we need a code for something that is so obvious and plain? The reply is simple. All of us of course are aware that exercising (energy) vigor is necessary for any accomplishment. However, how many people actually exercise it appropriately? While undertaking any activity, most of the people are overcome by indolence. They are frequently led by the tendency to indulge in lethargy, sluggishness etc. For instance, a student might be aware to secure admission to the course that he aspires; he needs to gain a high score. He is also aware that if he uses his potential, he can gain the required score. Somehow, he may be led away by lethargy and not put in the required amount of work. Thereby, he may miss the chance of getting admission to the course. Incidents of losing opportunities on account of lethargy occur in all walks of life. Such lethargy usually arises out of indolence, laziness, overindulgence etc. Self-motivation and use of one's energy is needed to rise above all obstacles. There is no motivation comparable to self-motivation. Only that type of motivation is really helpful in correctly undertaking and successfully finishing any work. If a high degree of self-motivation is required for worldly success, a far higher degree is necessitated for spiritual purposes. According to the scriptures the following five causes are the main factors that inhibit the spiritual growth.
• Mithyätva or wrong perception, • Avirati or absence of restraints,
Pramäda or indolence and Kashaya or defilements,
Yoga or physical involvement Detailed analysis of these factors would indicate that laxity, laziness and lethargy, which are the principal constituents of indolence, are inherent in those inhibiting factors. Religion therefore emphasizes that the spiritual aspirant should undertake every activity efficiently without in any way indulging in indolence. Five Major Indolence:
Vishay Indulgence in sensuous objects like sound, sight, smell, taste and touch Kashaya Defilement of anger, arrogance, deception and greed Vikatha Unnecessary talk pertaining to politics, nation, food and sensual pleasure Nidrä Excessive sleep or non-alertness Pranay
Too much attachment on material or people These aspects tend people to remain indolent and thereby lead them away from seeking wellbeing of the soul. Every aspirant is therefore required to avoid all these types of indolence and to practice the spiritual
.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2