Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 81

.... ĀTMĀ
The Self....
'Jaina Sangha': The Communion
The Sangh a consists of four : i) Susādhu, ii) Susādhvi, (Spiritual holy monks and nuns), iii) Srāvaka and iv) Srāvikā (lay brothers and lay sisters). The four orders collectively constitute the communion or Sangha.
'Bhava-Nirvēda' is the keen desire to be free from worldly wanderings of continuous births and deaths. 'Samvēga' is the ardent longing to attain 'Mõkşa'- the final liberation. To achieve them Jaina Monks and Nuns accept 'sarva virati' - complete renunciation (6th and 7th stage of spiritual development) and Srāvaka-Srāvikā who take twelve minor vows (partial self-discipline the 5th stage) with the aim of reaching the 6th and 7th stage. Beginners desiring to reach the 4th and 5th stage are also accomodated in the Sangha.
Others who may regularly pray, visit places of Worship, observe rituals, external ceremonies, etc. for worldly or heavenly material benefits, are against the Tenet. They are Jainas by birth but spiritually and technically they are not in the Sangha (communion). 'Twelve Bhāvanā'- Mental Reflections:
1) 'Anitya' = Impermanence - transitory nature of things. There is
impermanence of everything surrounding one. There is only immortal Soul beneath the changing body, life - span is getting reduced daily. Shall have to go leaving everything behind. Alone.
2) 'Asarana' = Helplessness, thinking of a refuge. Birth is inevitable
followed by death, we are helpless in face of death. True Religion is the only protection, it gives a serene peaceful death, which is a great achievement.
3) 'Samsāra' = Ocean of illusion, worldly life. Continuous wandering
under different garbs in various kingdoms, in different bodies from 'Nigoda' to heavenly beings and back to microbe, to animal and vegetation, etc. Liberation is possible from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
4) 'Ekatva' = Aloneness. There is absolute solitude of each individual.