Book Title: Danadiprakarana
Author(s): Suracharya, Amrutlal Bhojak, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Page 11
________________ 10 Avasara III discusses charity in respect of fearlessness (abhayadana). Hence it classifies living beings, recognises the desire-to-live in all living beings, enumerates bad consequences of violence, advises to cultivate compassion for all living beings, contains a sermon on compassion and points out good consequences of the deeds inspired by compassion. Avasara IV is devoted to the exposition of charity in respect of food (annadāna), construction of Jina temples, installation of Jina images, book copying, etc. Importance of giving food to the needy is stressed and various good consequences of this act are pointed out. It is said that money liberally expended on building temples, installing Jina images, fecilitating fourfold religious order and copying and preserving books liberates one from the cycle of birth and death. It exhorts one to construct Jina temples, glorfies the act and enumerates fruits one enjoys as a result of it. The acts of getting Jina images carved out and installed are praised and their fruits are mentoned. Worship of Jina images with ornaments, water, sandlepaste, etc. is lauded. Importance and good consequences of Rathayātrā are also dealt with. At one place necessity of inner purity is stressed. Avasara V describes the nature of Agamas preached by one devoid of attachment (vītarāga) as also the nature of one who is free from all defilements, viz. ignorance, attachment, etc. It refutes the Mimāṁsaka view that Vedas are authorless. It points out the importance of the words of Jina, as also of copying and preserving Jināgamas. It deals with anekantavāda (doctrine of non-onesidedness), truth, karma theory etc. It is noteworthy that it refutes the view that Logic, Grammar, etc. (what we normally call secular sciences) are not dharmaśātras. The author wants his fellow monks not to neglect the study of these sciences, under the wrong impression that they are sustras having no connection whatsoever with Dharina (Religion). Again, he advocates the study and preservation of non-Jaina works also. Avasara VI relates the greatness of Jaina order, points out the fruits of the worshipping the same, declares loftiness of Jaina monks, advocates indifference towards the monks of loose character, enumerates defects of the view of those who discriminate between monks, calling some deserving and others otherwise, preaches compassion for coreligionists, points out the defects of parigraha, praises Jaina monks who have renounced parigraha, advises to look after the needs of monks and exhorts to give food etc. in charity to the poor and miserable. Avasara VII reproves those who are against charity, resutes the view that as worship of Jina involves violence it should not be practised Jain Education International 2010_05 For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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