Essence of Jainism Part 02

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

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Arihantanam". The thieves were startled. They faintly recalled to have heard some thing like this before. While recalling, they got "Jatismaran" (knowledge of previous life time). As they learnt their previous births, each of them thought, "As I had disturbed my Samayik in the past life and gone astray, I live a mean life now by stealing". Being simple-hearted, they abhored their sins and longed for Samayik that gentleman was observing. Meditating thus, they got into a pure state of consciousness that transcends ego. Those who had come to steal were now transformed as they attained the highest bliss and became Kevalis. By now the gentleman had completed his Samayik and came out ot enquire. He saw the thieves as Kevalis seated on golden lotuses created by celetial gods. As he wondered that they appeared the same persons who had come to steal, it dawned upon him what miracle had happened. He began to censure himself, repenting for his past sins.
When time is ripe, if we repent for the evil deeds moved by a deep impulse, we shall get into pure state of conscienusness that transforms the beings. Religious kriyas (rites) are not without a significance, but we do not observe them in right spirit. Samayik is a sacred rite prescribed for our spiritual progress, but we do not practise it with full concentration.
Samayik is the same for all. If we grasp its purpose and expiate our sins, we become light in karmas and pure in heart. One who owns up his mistakes or faults, is a real man, while one who rejoices in his mistakes or faults, is evil in nature-devil. One who repents for his sins and pledges not to repeat them, is a deity in nature. Evil always exists but the good is required to be invited. Hence, we should censure our evil deeds and avoid them carefully. We should also be glad about our good deeds. A new way to look at ourselves will make our life fragrant.
A repetation can bear itself here there constant practice for living a life in samayik is a prerequisite for spiritual progress. An example throws light on this aspect.
(8) Lavasattamiyadev is a god of the Annutter Viman-(highest heavenly region). The duration of his life is 33 segaropams. He feels desire to eat only once is 33,000 years. He is only one foot in height. He is denied liberation even though the Siddhashila-abode of libretation souls, is only one yojanl (four miles) away from him. However, he reaches it only when he is reborn as a human being and observes monkhood uttering "Karemi Bhante".
What is the reoson? In previous birth, his life span fell short by only seven "Lovs" i.e. about 4 to 5 minutes to compete his fast period
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