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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
457
questions is found in “the commentary of Shravak-Pratikramana Sutra" composed by Shri Ratna-Shekharaesuri.
"That is sin which consumes righteous merits, which pollutes the garment of soul."
Abodes of sin are called "Papa-sthanak".
They are eighteen :
1. Taking some one's life (killing). 2. Telling lies. 3. Stealing (taking away what is not given willingly). 4. Cohabitation. 5. Hoarding. 6. Anger. 7. Pride. 8. Deceit. 9. Greed. IO. Attachment. II. Jealousy. 12. False allegation. 13. Quarrel. 14. Disclosing secret. 15. Overjoy and over-sorrow. 16. Hating others. 17. Deceitful and false speech. 18. False convictions.
Question : Pratikraman Sutras refer to eighteen kinds of sins.
This reference is made in Gujarati language, and so it is doubtful whether such mention is made in old aphorisms.
Reply : Pancha-Pratikramana contains a text about “Santhara
Porisi." In Pravachana-Sarodhdhara", there are stanzas referring to eighteen kinds of sins. Sthanaga Sutras also refer to them. Fifth branch of Jain scriptures, Bhagvati sutras also contain some problems regarding sins, which we shall discuss later on. Thus treatment of eighteen forms of sins is very ancient and beginningless.
Killing : Means destroying life. Killing any living being's life
is destroying life. Killing is the most heinous sin and so it tops the list.
