________________ the rules will show that they set an ideal norm of human behaviour. For example, it is expected of a layman to make and observe vows of acquiring spiritual knowledge, render service to the virtuous, behave in a simple and clean manner, give veneration to the spiritual teachers, not amass too much money and whatever money is earned for leading comfortable life should be earned by just means, should study the nature and cause of transmigration of souls and desist from leading a sinful and sensual life, should not indulge in a job involving cruelty, must have an alert mind and not blindly follow another, should lead a virtuous life as laid down in the scriptures, be generous and charitable, observe penance for the sake of disciplining the mind and must curb the tendency of the world being too much with him. All these guiding rules in brief lay stress on knowing oneself and not get absorbed in the worldly matters. This is the way of renunciation, it is true, but it is this way of giving rather than grabbing that can lead to a life of harmony and peace in the world. Similarly elaborate rules have been prescribed for the monks, which are stricter, meant to enforce non violence in the highest possible manner. These rules have many sub rules, and in one virtue of 'sheel", there are as many as 18000 norms laid down to be observed by different categories of followers. Spirituality: In brief there is no area of human behaviour which has been left untoucned. True the goal of all discipline has been described as 'Atma kalyan' i.e. emanicipation of the soul from the wordly bondage, but the implications of observance of the discipline is peace and harmony in the world, the origin and end of which we are unaware, and is shrouded in mystery. And therefore, for making it a livable place, all that we can do is to ensure that there is no misery and pain. After all who can prove the existence of hell and heaven. So let us endeavour to make this very world inhabited by such people who are given to spiritual life. Jainism thus can more aptly be described as 'A Guide to the Art of Living'. 156. Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
