Aspects of Jaina Monasticism

Author(s): Nathmal Tatia, Mahendramuni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 92

60 The Four Monastic Courses
I]. Tulanā (Comparative Estimate) undertake the Victor's Course pro
vided he is physically fit to travel Here the Victor's Course starts. and lead a solitary life indepenThis is in fact the counterpart of dently of assistance from anybody the sixth dvāra, called vihāra, of thc else. But if, in spite of the good Elder's Course. The first five dvāras conditions of the vital powers, he mentioned under the Elder's Course finds himself incapable of leading a are common to both the Courses, solitary life on account of his phybeing the basic preliminaries of the sical infumity, he is advised to monastic courses in general.
retire to rddhārāsa 'the monastery Through tulanā or "consider- of old monks'. 114 ation of the pros and cons of such (3) Thirdly, tulană, in its aspect retirement, and a relative estimate of estimation or test of the abilities of its consequence', the aspirant of the possible successor, who is would take the final decision to appointed temporarily on trial to adopt the Victor's Course. Tulanā discharge the duties of an ācārya,115 has a number of aspects :
is concerned with the future of the (1) Firstly, it refers to the offi- monastic organization which should cers who are fit for higher penances. be given the highest priority, if The usual qualification of an as- necessary, by sacrificing one's perpirant to the Victor's Course is the sonal spiritual ambitions. 116 The status and position of the monastic cause of the organization should in officers, viz. ācārya, upadhyāya, pra- no case be allowed to suffer. The vartaka, sthavira, and gaņāvacche- charge of pessimism, fatalism and daka.
escapism levelled against the Indian (2) Secondly, tulanā has refe- monastic Order is thus found to rence to mental and physical abili- have no valid ground. ties of the aspirant. With the (4) Fourthly, the most imporadvancement in spiritual life, there tant precondition of undertaking comes a stage when several avenues an intensive course of penance is of intense spiritual endeavour pre- a penetrating self-estimate (tulanā) sent themselves. But the aspirant in the following five praśasta bhārahas to be very cautious in selecting nâs (wholesome thoughts), 117 i.e. the alternative that is most suitable concrete tests which determine the to him. The condition of health, propriety of leaving the monastic the power of forbearance and the Order for the sake of personal prospects of longevity are to be emancipation : (i) tava, (ii) satta, considered carefully. If it is found (iii) suya, (iv) egatta, and (v) bala. that the vitality is meagre, the as. (i) Tava (Skt. tapas)118 : The pirant is to undertake any one of conquest of hunger and thirst is the three ways of the spiritual pur- the first test, which may consist in suit of death. But if the vital fasting even for a period of six powers are intact and a long life is months at a stretch, if that became clearly envisaged, the aspirant may necessary.