Essence of Jainism Part 02

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

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SHRI V.NEMI VIGNAN KASTURSURI SMRUTI SERIES
PART II
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PURIFICATION OF HEART
FOUR TYPES OF MAITRI : (Preliminary)
स जीवति गुणा यस्य धर्मो यस्य स जीवति । गुणधर्मविहीनो यो निष्फलं तस्य जीवितम् ॥
Upadhyaya Yashovijayaji says in his works 'Gnansar', that one's life is worth it only if one possesses virtues and religion. A life devoid of both, is a failure. A question arises how can we acquire religion and virtues ?
Definitions of Dharma, as a guiding religious principle in life, in relation to rising stages of spiritual development of a soul, are as under :
(1) As it is commonly understood Dharma is that which upholds. It prevents one from degradation.
(2) For a householder, who has accepted party, a life of renunciation-a Desh Virati in the 5th stage of spiritual development (Guna-Sthan). Dharam is Jayna-carefulness for a right conduct.
(3) For a Sadhu following a life of complete renunciation, Sarva Vitati in the 5th stage of spiritual development, Dharma is, what is commanded by jina.
(4) For a soul in the 7th Stage of spiritual development, immersed in meditation-conscieousness-power of congnition (upyog) is Dharma.
(5) For a spiritually evolving soul being in any of the 8th to 12th Stage of spiritual development, non-violence, self control and penance, is Dharma.
(6) For a Kevali in the 13th stage of spiritual development, stage of awareness, that transcends limitations of time and space, and which is unobscured by delusion-(Moha) is Dharma.
(7) For Kevali rising to the 14th Stage or the ultimate spiritual stage, as the soul leaves the body; Dharma is the innate nature of all the exist. (Vastu svabhav).
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