Agam 24 Chhed 01 Nishith Sutra Part 01 Sthanakvasi

Author(s): Amarmuni, Kanhaiyalal Maharaj
Publisher: Amar Publications

Page 16

In order to perform the exceptional duties one has to face the conditions and alternatives, otherwise the efforts may result in moral degeneration. It is generally believed that to perform the moral duties is a pre-requisite condition for the spiritual regeneration. The celebrated sūtral Samyagdarśanajñanacaritrāņi mokşamārgaḥ declares that these three factors constitute mokşa Good character means Right conduct ; even slightest aberration in character will affect conduct ; and consequently Right Knowledge and Right Faith. With a view to prevent the affliction of Jňāna and darśana by misconduct, care is taken to make exceptions regarding the inflexible rules of conduct ; the more the observance of the rule in a systematic and persistent manner, the more effective is the regeneration of moral character. But any slightest supercession, or ignorance of either jñāna or darsana, may result in the conceit (darpa) or vanity in the life of a spiritual aspirant. Hence, it is advisable for the sādhaka 'to overcome the influence of vanity (darpa) and stick to the role of right-action (kalpa). Hence vanity (darpa) has been regarded vice, in other words, vanity has to be completely purged out of moral practice. Supposing for a moment the Jñāna and darśana are themselves afflicted, then the problem arises as to how the exceptions be made as substitutes for the ethical life. This is essential part of spiritual life.
There are four categories of pratisevana : (sense of duty or service bordering on devotion) (1) darpa-pratiscvana, (2) kalpapratisevana (3) pramādapratisevana and (4) apramādapratisevana. Again these four can be subsumed under two categories only e.g. pramāda (inertia) in dark (vanity) and apramāda (non-inertia) is Kalpa (right and virtues).
Ahimsā is the very core of Jainism, it is the be-all and end-all of Jain ethics. The extension of ahińsä is truth. Yet sometimes,
1. 2.
Tattvārtha Sūtra, J.I. N. Gāthā-88, and see also Cūrņi on it ; see also Gāthās, 144, 363, 463. N. Gāthā-90.
3.