________________
APPENDIX 2
101
(renunciation and disinterest in sensual pleasures and worldly possessions), arikampa (compassion), and astikya (shraddha or conviction). They form the world-view of a Jain householder as also of an ascetic. The quality of prasham endows a man with a certain degree of equanimity, calmness, and balance which enables him to feel happy, contented, and "at peace with himself”.
In Prashamratiprakarana, authored by Acharya Umasvami or Umasvati, who also wrote Tattwartha Sutra— the so-called bible of the Jainas,- it is stated:
Szargasukhari parokshanyatyant Parokshamera Mokshasukham Pratyaksham prashansukham Na parasham na cha Vaya praptam (237)
The happiness of heaven is indirect; it is beyond our experience. Thus, we may be disinterested in it. The happiness of salvation (moksha) is still more indirect. On the other hand, the peace and calm brought about by the subsidence or quelling down the excitement of passions (anger, pride, deceit and greed) and the happiness resulting therefrom can be directly experienced immediately and in this life. This happiness is neither dependent on other objects, things or beings nor is it perishable.
The so-called pleasures of worldly life, viz. sensual pleasures, are always accompanied with pain, difficulties, and suffering. They are never full and unadulterated. They are preceded and/or followed by suffering. They are transient, passing, and short-lived. What people in general consider happiness is mostly sensual pleasure which by its very nature is dependent on external objects pleasing to our senses. Prashansukha, i.e. happiness derived from or resulting from calmness and equanimity, is free from all these shortcomings.
This calmness or equanimity and the consequent peace and happiness in our lives results from subsidence of gross forms of anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed (anantarıbandhi kashaya or passions) and by having a proper attitude towards life and by understanding and accepting the real nature of things. Accept the reality of things as they are and accept what you cannot change is a sure prescription for avoidance of stress and depression which are
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
