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COMPENDIUM OF JAINISM
contemplation and study of the scriptures, particularly the Tattvārtha Sūtra. The object is to purify the mind and exert for the subsidence of the Karmas.
A brief reference has already been made to these virtues while discussing the topic of stoppage and shedding of Karmas. These ten virtues have been enumerated in Sūtra 6 of Chapter IX of the Tattvārtha Sūtra as follows:
“Uttamakşamāmārda vārjavasatyasaucasamyamatapastyāgākiñcanyabrahmacaryāņi dharmaḥ."
Supreme forbearance, humility, straightforwardness, truthfulness, purity, self-control, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and celibacy constitute the religion or duty. These ten virtues are intended to regulate the activities of mind, thought and action. Their practice or observance gives direction to the life of a votary by eliminating all his evil thoughts and preventing him from harmful actions. The word uttama or supreme ought to be read along with each of the virtues implying there by that the practice should be of the highest order or in full measure. There should be no expectation of any earthly reward except that of attaining purity and spiritual advancement. It is appropriate to discuss them in the order in which they are enumerated above.
1) Uttama Kşamā or Supreme Forbearance.
Supreme forbearance or forgiveness is a divine virtue. There are numerous occasions in life when the peace of mind is disturbed by anger due to the conduct of other people or by force of circumstances resulting in ill-treatment or insults. Each individual has his own weaknesses; at times, one is provoked to injure the feelings of others or be injured by others. Wisdom consists in inaintaining peace of mind without getting mentally disturbed: this is called forbearance. For an ascetic, there might be situations when he is abused; insulted or rebuked by people who are opposed to his way of life or nudity. He must bear everything calmly and think within himself that all such display of temper is due to
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