________________
36
Dr. Charlotte Krause: Her Life & Literature
standards are mere variations of the former, it will have to form the starting point of the following description, except that of Punya. 1. Punya
The chapter concerning the acquisition of Punya, is rather summarily dealt with in the Jaina scriptures, because collecting Punya is a preliminary and auxiliary step only, and concerns laymen rather than ascetics. For the actions by which Punya can be acquired, are chiefly such a charity, and therefore, presuppose the possession of property and a certain amount of worldly activity. Both the sects, the Śvetāmbaras as well as the Digambaras, know of nine such actions, which however, differ somewhat in detail, with both of them.
According to the Śvetāmbaras, Punya is acquired by five acts of charity, viz., the giving of eatables, of drink, of shelter, of bedding and of clothes to a 'patra', i.e., a worthy receiver, under which the ascetic, the lay-brother or lay-sister, and, besides, any creature whose condition is able of awakening compassion in our heart, is understood. Moreover, the purity of thought, word and action of the devotee, particularly with reference to his acts of charity, and due respects paid to the Omniscient Ones, to the Gurus, and others, are believed to create Punya.
According to the Digambaras, all the nine causes of Punya, the Nava-Punya-Krama, refer to the worship of the Sadhu only. When the ascetic is seen approaching, he should first be welcomed and invited to enter the house, and then offered an elevated seat. The third action is to wash his feet, the fourth to worship him by flowers, light, incense, etc., the fifth, to bow down before him, the sixth, seventh and eighth to think with reverence, speak respectfully and observe respectful manners, and the ninth to offer him pure food. Also the giving of food, medicine, expedients of studying religion and protection to worthy laymen and laywomen, and to people in need of mercy, are counted as actions causing Punya.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
