Aspects of Jaina Religion

Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 89

Ethics of Jainism :: 85
tached to dhyāna (meditation) because it is considered as the most important spiritual exercise whereby alone the soul can make progress on the path of salvation and can destroy all the karmas. Feelings like attachment for beneficial and aversion from harmful objects have to be given up to attain concentration of mind, which is the prerequisite of successful meditation. It is always emphasised that the sukla dhyāna (pure meditation) ultimately leads the soul to salvation because in sukla dhyāna an attempt is made for complete cessation of physical, verbal and mental activities. When the entire stock of karmas is exhausted by following the rules of conduct laid down by Jaina ethics, the soul shoots up to the top of the universe where the liberated souls stay forever.
It is evident that the rules of conduct and the austerities which a Jaina ascetic has to observe, are of an extremely difficult character and that only a person who is mentally prepared for a life of renunciation can be initiated into the stage. Obviously, only a person who is imbued with full faith in the validity of Jaina philosophy and is possessed of right knowledge of soul and matter in all their aspects and is prepared for a life of penance and austerities can be a successful Jaina ascetic. (4) Attributes of Ascetics
According to Jainism an ascetic is expected to possess certain Mūla-gunas, i.e., primary attributes or basic qualities. The concept of the Mūla-gunas has been greatly developed by the Digambara sect of Jainas. It is prescribed in the Digambara texts that a sādhu (ascetic) must possess the following twentyeight mūla-gunas or basic attributes, the rigour of which is increased stage by stage.
These twenty-eight Mūla-gunas are: 1–5. The five great vratas or Vows; 6—10. The five samitis, or carefulness; 11—15. Controlling of five senses; 16–21. The six Āvaśyakas or essential duties; 22. Removal of hair with one's own hands periodically; 23. Nakedness; 24. Non-bathing; 25. Sleeping on hard ground; 26. Refraining from cleansing the teeth; 27. Taking