Essence of Jainism Part 01

Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

Page 22

2. Devotion (And Service) of Monks :
In absence of living God amongst us, Monks or Gurus are our next benefactors. These Sadhus have renounced the world. They Preach us without any selfish motive and lead us on to a righteous path in life by setting an example for us by themselves treading on the same path.
The Munis (Monks) give peace of mind to the troubled. They console us and make us stead-fast on the true path. We obtain their sincere blessings by adoring and serving them. Association with these holy beings leads us to high thinking and inspire us on the right path.
Eklavya was the son of a Bhil(Adivasi). He went to Guru Dronacharya for learning the science of Archery. But the Guru refused to teach him, so he made Dronacharya's Idol out of clay and began to practise Archery in the presence of that Idol. Soon he surpassed Arjun in Archery. Eklavya adored the idol as if it was a loving teacher and offered his full devotion to it. Similarly, we should surrender completely to our Gurus (Monks) in order to imbibe their virtues in our lives. 3. Reading of Scriptures and Meditaiton (Swadhyaya) :
Reading of good books serves us as a true freind. It makes our lives cultured. It offers us the company of what is pure and good Even ferocious beasts like an elephant and a lion change their nature when they are in company of noble souls and their nature is made sublime. Good reading leads to good thinking which in turn leads us to good conduct. Naturally our present life also becomes sublime. If we read some five to fifteen pages a day regulary we shall complete 1500 to 2000 pages in a year. A moral drawn from it, gives us the peace of mind when troubled. It is very necessary to form the habit of reading daily at least for five or ten minutes. 4. Self-Control (Sanyam) :
Self-control consists of restraint on five senses as well mind. It also means strict observations of vows and pledges taken. A life devoid of self-control degrades us. We know how Chandakaushik and Draddhaparhari the great sinners practised severe self-control and were transformed themselves. Even lower animals like frogs, kites and monkeys become enlightened by remembering their previous births and by learning to control themselves. Hence one should lead a controlled life. Doing Samayik daily will be helpful in this direction.
Do form the habit of being in 'Samayik' everyday.