Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

Page 46

[ 39 ]
Samvara is the principle of self-control by which the influx of sins is checked. The category of samvara comprehends the whole sphere of right conduct. It is an aspect of tapa or austerity. Some hold that it is the gradual cessation of the influx into the soul along with the developmeut of knowledge.
Lesya is a term signifying colour in Jainism. It is said to be that by means of which the soul is tinted with merit and demerit. It arises from the vibrations due to the activity of body, mind, speech or passions. The lesyas are different conditions produced in the soul by the influence of different karma. They are dependent on the karma which influences the soul. They are named in the following order: Black, blue, grey, red, yellow and white. The Buddhist idea of contamination of mind by the influx of impurities from outside illustrated by the simile of a piece of cloth dyed blue, red, yellow or the like would seem to have some bearing on the Jain doctrine of the six lesyas or soul types.
Kayotsarga is an ascetic mode of atoning for the excess in sinful indulgences. It implies the idea of particular bodily postures to be adopted in keeping oneself unmoved on a suitable spot. It is a Jain mode of dhyana practice. He who practises this mode is required to keep his body, mind, and
speech, under perfect restraint,