________________
510
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
Means of knowledge should be honoured in two ways: One should collect means of knowledge as efficient in quality as possible and one should respect them. Applying saliva on the slate or carrying book on the legs mean insulting the means of knowledge. Showing respects for one who imparts knowledge and the learned man is the third rule of conduct for propagation of right knowledge. Here 'Honouring' means extending sincere feelings of the heart. One might show honour only externally without sincere feelings of love and honour at heart then also one cannot make progress for the acquisition of knowledge. This is the reason the holy authors of the scriptures have declared honouring the teacher as a distinguished rule for the propagation of right knowledge.
Scriptures have described four grades of discipline and honour which you should properly bear in mind.
I. A person would observe discipline without offering any honour.
2. A person would offer honour without observing discipline. 3. A person would observe discipline as well as offer honour.
4. A person would neither observe any discipline nor offer any honour.
First and second grades belong to medium quality, third is the best grade and the fourth represents lowest grade.
Now we shall proceed to fourth form of propagating right knowledge, 'Upadhana'. Authors of the scriptures define 'Upadhana' thus: "That is 'Upadhana' by which one enjoys proximity of the holy texts". From this you can realise 'Upadhana' is a sort of austerity which is observed for getting access to those who are not accessible.
Some ask, whether 'Upadhana' existed in olden time? We reply that it did exist even in very old times and the fact is evinced by its reference in Shri Samavayanga sutra, Shri Uttaradhyana sutra, Shri Mahanishitha sutra etc. Stanza 'Kale Vinaya Bahumana' is very ancient wherein 'Upadhana' is clearly defined and thus there is not an iota of doubt about antiquarian nature of 'Upadhana'.
Some argue that in Jain families 'Namaskar Sutra' etc. are being taught and maintained on the tip of the tongue right from the child
