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CONDUCT
C06 - Panchächär: Five Codes of Conduct
• 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 these inhibiting factors. Religion emphasizes that the spiritual aspirant should undertake every activity efficiently without indulging in indolence. Five Major types of Vices (Indolence):
Vishay Indulgence in sensuous objects like sound, sight, smell, taste and touch Kashäya Anger, Ego or arrogance, deception and greed Vikatha Unnecessary talk pertaining to politics, nation, food, and sensual
pleasures Nidrä Excessive sleep or non-alertness Pranay Too much attachment to material objects or people
These aspects tend to lead people towards a lethargic path away from the liberation of the soul. Every aspirant is therefore required to avoid all these types of indolence and to practice the spiritual code with vigor and enthusiasm This leads us to an important but controversial issue. Jainism believes in karma and that living beings must bear the consequences of their karma. Is that the same thing as being inactive and just waiting for things to happen? The difference is between Prärabdha and Purushärtha, or destiny vs. endeavor. Let us look at the two in details: Prärabdha, or destiny is usually seen as resulting from Karma, while Purushärtha or endeavor is viewed as the effort to overcome such destiny. Thus, Prärabdha and Purushärtha appear contradict each other. Prärabdha denotes the consequence of our earlier karma, while Purushärtha represents our determination at the present moment. While describing the nature of karma, Jainism does emphasize that undertaking the right kind of Purushärtha can modify the impact of past karma. Thus, our present free will or determination has an edge over the fruits of our past Karma. Viryächär asks us to undertake intensive determination for overcoming the impact of Karma acquired earlier. The implication of the spiritual code thus shows the hollowness of the contention that we are helpless victims of earlier Karmas. Viryachär indicates that all aspects of the spiritual code should be observed with utmost vigor and exercising such vigor is called Purushärtha.
03 Summary
In summary, the sole cause of endless cycles of birth and death is the bondage of karma to the soul. For removal of these karmic bondage, Nirjarä is the only way to end these cycles of birth and death and achieve liberation. Proper observation of the codes of conduct is essential.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
Page 163 of 398
