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An Interpretation of Jaina Ethics
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which is, at present, necessarily connected with the Kāyotsarga posture.
Still, there is an extra chapter, in which all such prescriptions are summarized from the formal, i.e., ritualistic, stand-point. It is called the chapter of the Avaśyakas, i.e., necessary ritualistic actions, which are to be performed daily, at least by ascetics. The Āvasyakas stand in closest correlationship with the ethical system. Therefore, and also on account of their fundamental importance for the whole life of the Jaina, they shall be enumerated here. The Six Āvasyakas
1. The first of the six Āvasyakas is the Sāmāyika, which the Sadhu practises both fully and permanently by observing Sarvavirati, and by thus living up to the standard of Sāmāyika Căritra. The layman performs it either permanently, but partially, by observing Deśa-virati; or nearly fully, but only for a limited period, by performing the Sāmāyika-kriyā described under the Sāmāyika-vrata.
2. The second Āvasyaka is the Caturvimśati-Jina-stava, i.e., the praise of the twenty-four Jinas of this period, who are the ethical ideals of all Jainas. It has not the purpose of pleasing them, because nothing, neither praise nor its contrary, would be able to change their equilibrium of mind, or to induce them to reciprocate; but, by their praise, the devotee can purify his thoughts, and acquire firmness and faith in his striving after Mokșa. With the idolater-sects, who have always been prevailing in number, the praise of the Jinas often forms part of a Pūjā ceremony, or of other functions, which, however, differ much with the different sects and sub-sects.
3. The third Āvasyaka is the Vandanā, i.e., the ceremonial and humble greeting of the spiritual teacher, which has likewise various forms with the different sects. In the Svetāmbara sect, three forms of Vandană are known, viz., the Phitta Vandanā, i.e., greeting by placing one's folded hands on one's forehead, when meeting the Guru on the way, and at other occasions when there is no time for the usual greeting ceremony. The second is the Thobha Vandanā,
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