Atmanushasana

Author(s): J L Jaini
Publisher: Central Jaina Publishing House

Page 10

ÁTMÁNUSHÁSANA.
overflowing with apprehension of mundane miseries, etc.; (it is the) destroyer of the cycle of existences; purifier of three kinds of wrong knowledge (i. e, transforms them into three right kinds of knowledge); it rightly ascertains the seven or the nine principles (tattvas). It is the first step for those who ascend up to the unshakeable fortress (of Liberation). It is, indeed, the first Devotion (Aradhaná) for the learned scholars,
Commentary,
Right-belief is of two kinds. Intuitive (Nisargaja), or tuitive (Adhigamaja).Nisargaja is self-born, inspired, intutive. Adhigamaja is acquired by study, precept, etc., tuitive. It is of 3 kinds having regard to internal causes, viz., (1) subsidential, aupashamika, in consequence of the subsidence of 4 error-feeding passions and wrong belief. (2) destructive-subsidential (Kshāyopa-Shamika), in consequence of their destructive-subsidence, (3) destructive (Kshayáka) as a consequence of their total destruction. See Tattvártha Sútra. page 5, Chapter I., S.B.J. Vol. II; and Gommațasára : Jíva Kánda. Chapter I. pp. 21, 22, S. B.J., Vol. V.
Defects of ignorance, etc.-There are 25 such defects, which should be got rid of, for the purification of right belief. They are the following :1. Doubt or fear, 2. Sense-ignorance, 3. Disgust, 4. Super
stition, 5. Libel, 6. Non-support to slipping souls, 7. Nonaffection for the worthy, 8. Indifference to propagation of
Truth Pride in 1. Knowledge, 2. Position, 3. Paternal lineage, 4.
Maternal family, 5. Strength, 6. Wealth, 7. Asceticism,
and 8 Beauty .. Blind faith in 1. Popular rites, 2. Unworshipable deties, and
3. Unworthy saints ... Association with 1. Unworshipable deities, 2. Unworthy
saints, 3. Misleading seriptures, or with the followers of the above three ...
25
For a detailed description of seven, or nine principles, consult Tattvártha Sútra, pp. 6 and 7 in Chapter, I, S.B.J, Vol. II.
प्राज्ञामार्गसमुद्भवमुपदेशात्सूत्रबीजसंक्षेपात् । विस्ताराभ्यां भवमवगाढपरमवगाढे च ॥ ११ ॥