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Chapter 7
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Meaning of 'Nidan'
Nidan (Volition)
'Nidan' is a word with numerous and wide ranging meanings. In different context it has different meanings. For example in the field of medicine it means to decide about the reasons of a disease, which in English is diagnosis.
卐
In simple language it is used as an expletive to express sorrow or regret, such as-Nidan (How sad !), he could not pass the examination.
In dictionary and other such works this is used to indicate purity, purification etc. In this sense it has been used as niyanakhama in verse 53 of chapter 18th in Uttaradhyayan Sutra.
A Technical Jain Term
But mostly 'nidan' word has been used in Jain scriptures as a technical term. Its specific meaning there is a firm volition of achieving acquiring or attaining some specific goal, purpose, status, revenge, desire of mundane pleasures or indulgence etc. during forthcoming incarnations.
However, a mere hope, wish or desire cannot take the form of nidan; they end up as a fool's fancy.
Nidan is a firm volition. To gain the desired one has to put once austerities at stake. A Shraman or Shramani observing austerities has to make a firm volition in these words
"If I am to get any fruit of my austerities, practices, celibacy or observing of codes of conduct, may my such and such desire be fulfilled."
In layman's term it amounts to squander or sell ones austerities (tap).
In scriptures like Tattvarth Sutra nidan is said to be the fourth category of arttadhyan (distressed state of mind).
Jain Education International
The Causes of Nidan: Attachment and Aversion both
that
This is a fact that nidan has its origin in Mohaniya karma (illusory karma or karma ttempts soul towards fondness for things). This karma manifests in form of attachment as well as aversion. When inspired by aversion, an ascetic makes a nidan of the
Antakriddasha Mahima
४०९
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