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RITUALS
DO5 - Six Ävashyakas (Six Essentials and Daily Observances)
D05 - Six Ävashyakas (Six Essentials and Daily Observances) 01 Introduction Jainism is a very practical religion, which helps us in every day affairs of life. Jainism has to be practiced and lived. Jain ethics is meant for all men and women in every walk of life. Contemplation of the soul is the main part of Jainism. Contemplation of the soul includes thinking, analyzing, and meditating as a part of the right conduct. The rituals are interwoven in the daily life of a pious Jain. Going to the temple, listening to the Guru, practicing vows, giving alms to Sädhus, performing Sämäyika for equanimity, performing Pratikraman for introspection, practicing nonviolence, carrying out charitable acts, living an honest life and many similar acts constitute the daily rituals of a Jain. Jainism believes that from time immemorial, every soul is full of impurities. The soul, in its pure form, has infinite perception, infinite knowledge, infinite vigor, and infinite bliss. These attributes are not realized by a worldly soul because it is smeared with karmas. The karmas are mainly due to Mithyätva (Ignorance) and four Passions / Kashäyas (anger, ego, deceit, and greed). Tirthankars have expounded on many ways to free us from these four Kashäyas to attain Moksha. One of the ways is a daily practice of six Avashyakas (essentials). Practicing six essential rites with true faith helps us progress spiritually. These six essential rites are to be practiced daily and regularly by all Jains. These practices free the human mind from negative thoughts of attachment and hatred and enhance the soul's spiritual progress, ultimately leading to liberation. Ancient Jain literature defines six such activities. Jainism advocates the performance of six essential daily observances by its followers. Both Digambar and Shvetämbar traditions have six essentials but there exist some differences. 02 Six Essential Observances of Shvetämbar tradition Sämäyika To remain calm and undisturbed in a state of equanimity and with oath of non
violence for 48 minutes. Chauvisattho To pray and appreciate the qualities of the twenty-four Tirthankars. Vandan
Devotion and service to Guru Maharaj (ascetics). Pratikraman To repent, reproach, and reflect upon past wrong thoughts, words and deeds. Käyotsarga Non-attachments to the body (standing or sitting motionless and meditating for a
set period of time). Pratyakhyan or Taking religious vows renouncing certain activities and certain foods for a set Pachchakhana period of time to discipline one's self.
Each Ävashyak ritual includes many original Sutras written in Ardha-Mägadhi and Sanskrit languages. These Sutras consist of many hymns in praise of the Tirthankars and many verses of repentance, confession, and requests for forgiveness. 1. Sämäyika - State of Equanimity
To remain in the state of equanimity without attachment and hatred and to treat all living beings equal to one's self is called Sämäyika. Sämäyika is the process that enhances the quality of equanimity. It helps to take one closer to the soul and to acquire a stable mind and temperament. Equanimity is the act of remaining calm and tranquil. It implies neutrality of mind and temper. It is essential for the practice of nonviolence and removal of Mithyätva and Kashayas, which ultimately removes all Karma. This ritual is performed to develop equal regard towards all living beings, equanimity towards pleasure and pain, and to be free from attachment and aversion.
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Compendium of Jainism - 2015
