Aspects of Jaina Religion

Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 74

70 :: Aspects of Jaina Religion
a limited extent and for a limited period of time, in the routine of an ascetic without actually renouncing the world. It is obvious that such practices maintain a close tie between the laymen and the ascetics as both are actuated by the same motive and are moved by the same religious ideals.
(2) The Eleven Pratimās or Stages
A layman who is desirous of attaning to greater heights in ethical and spiritual progress can do so by regulating his way of life. The word pratimā is used to designate the stages of ethical progress in a householder's life. By treading the path of progress, a layman acquires capacity for spiritual advancement. The pratimās or stages are closely connected with the twelve vratas or vows prescribed for laymen.
Further, the householder's life has been divided into eleven pratimās or stages. These pratimās form a series of duties and performances, the standard and duration of which rise periodically and which finally culminate in an attitude resembling monkhood. Thus the pratimās rise by degrees and every stage includes all the virtues practised in those preceding it. The conception of eleven pratimās reveals in the best manner the rules of conduct prescribed for the laymen. Hence, the pratimās are like the rungs of a ladder: a layman desirous of spiritual progress must mount the ladder step by step until he reaches the top, that is, the highest stage of spirituality as a layman.
The eleven pratimās or stages laid down for householders are as follows:
(1) Darśana Pratimā: The householder must possess the perfect, intelligent and well-reasoned faith in Jainism, that is, he should have a sound knowledge of its doctrines and their applications in life. He must be free from all misconceptions and also from attachment to worldly pleasures of every kind.
(2) Vrata Pratimā: The householder must observe the twelve vows, that is, five aņuvratas, three gunavratas and four siksāvratas, without transgressions of any of them. He must