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subject formally expresses his desire for initiation and then the initiation ceremony commences.
The candidate is put on a high platform. His body is cleaned using fragrant pastes and is given a massage of medicated oils. He is then given a bath with specially medicated water. After this he is adorned with rich dress and ornaments. He is now taken to the place of initiation sitting in a palanquin that is carried by 1,000 persons and passing through the central parts of the city. When he arrives there the candidate pays homage to the guru and proceeds in the north-east direction. After going a little distance he changes into the ascetic dress, returns to the guru, once again pays homage and requests him for initiation.
Here a question arises that religion is free of any pomp and show; then where is the need of this cleansing of the body and donning rich dress and ornaments?
The answer is that, indeed, the candidate is a detached one but this display of grandeur and long process involved is intended to impress the masses with the religiousness. They are also inspired to follow the religious path and get initiated.
The candidate pulls out his hair, which his mother accepts in the extended end of her dress. The parents beseech the guru-O Bhagavan ! We are giving a disciple-donation. This is our beloved son, please lead him to his well being (salvation).
Now the guru initiates him into the order by formally making the candidate accept for life the five great vows of ahimsa, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession with nine limbed discipline, a combination of three means (mind, speech and body) and three methods (doing, inducing and approving), along with the vow of refraining from eating after sunset.
Thus the process of initiation is concluded.
Importance
The main importance of this long process of initiation is that when the candidate accepts initiation in presence of a large mass of people he is more cautious and alert in following the disciplines of ascetic conduct, observing the great vows, the primary and secondary virtues and avoids laxness and fall from grace as far as possible.
The second importance is that the people in the audience also become acquainted with the process of initiation of a Jain shraman. At the same time they encourage the candidate with their applauds. The candidate also feels elevated with the glory of initiation.
The newly initiated ascetic is filled with such lofty feelings like---How great is the Jain religion and the Shraman initiation that even the common masses heartily praise it. I will enhance its glory by my ascetic practices so that a wider spread of religion is achieved and the faith of people is strengthened.
There are numerous benefits of describing of the Jain shruman initiation.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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