Book Title: Essence of Jainism Part 02
Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

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Page 126
________________ 3. Pravachan Pada : Before beginning a religious sermon (Darshan), Tirthankars say, "Namo Tithassa" i.e. "I bow down to the Tirth." Tirth constitutes the order of Sadhu, Sadhavi, Shravaka and Shravika i.e. "I bow down to four fold Sangh. Why such Sangh is held in great reverence ? Because it includes many a person, possessing infinite virtues. The Sangh is also called the twenty-fifth Tirthankar to emphasize its great importance from religious point of view. 4. Acharya Pad: An Acharya is eqipped with 36 attributes i.e. control of five senses, observance of chastity in nine ways, control over four Kashayas-passions, observance of five Mahavratas (Vows) and practising of Panchachar-five conducts, four samitis-four care-fulness and three Guptis-three controls. We should aspire for this Acharya pad. 5. Sthavir Pad: A sthavir possesses the lofty attributes of forgiveness, tenderness, simplicity and frankness. These virtues make them steadfast in the path of renunciation. One should strive to achieve these merits. 6. Upadhyaya Pad: (Teacher) He observe Charitra (Monkhood) himself, acquires knowledge (himself) and also Imparts it to other discipes and educate them by giving them a training in monkhood. Thus he helps preserving and maintaining a countinuity of scriptural knowledge which is the main stay of relgion and Sangh. 7. Sadhu Pad: One renounces the world and observes the three "ratnas" (Jewels) of faith, knowledge and conduct; one should serve the sadhus respectfully, who whole-heartedly tread on the path of Jina. 8. Gnana Pad (Knowledge) In this world one gets lost in the darkness of ignorance. Therefore, there should be a lamp of knowledge to guide one to get Atma-gnana (Knowledge of Self.) Knowledge is the nature of Soul. 9. Darshan Pad (Faith) One should sincerely believe in the Nine Tattavas (or fundamental principles) laid down by the Ominscient Sages. Besides, one should have unfliching faith in "Sudev", "Suguru", and "Sudharma". Only such a firm faith will help in getting liberation of soul. 10. Vinaya Pad (respectfulness) One should praise the qualities of good persons and respect and cherish them so that those noble virtues will become part and parcel of one's self. Respectfulness is the beginning of a religion. 11. Charitra Pad (Conduct) By Aradhana of this Pad, one can destroy one's past sins of endless time-that has gone by and can reduce formation of new ones. By worship that is crystal pure, Jain Education International 77 For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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