________________
134
ETHICAL DOCTRINES IN JAINISM
ledge and conduct of the saint in such a way as the mother protects her child.
FIVE SAMITIS 1) IRYA-SAMITI: The saint following the discipline consistent with the Iryā-samiti ought to pay heed to (a) the purity of the way, (b) the adequacy of the sunlight, (c) attention, (d) purpose, and lastly (e) the process of moving. (a) That is the proper way which is bereft of such living beings as are ordinarily put to injury in moving, instance, ants etc., as also seeds, grass, green leaves, mud etc. The path which has been repeatedly trodden by carts and other vehicles, by cattle and horses, by men and women, and which has already been ploughed and scorched by the sun should be regarded as fit to be traversed.* (b) The Sun-light or day time is necessary for touring. The Moon, the stars, and artificial lamps are quite incapable of serving as substitutes for the sun-light. (c) The saint should devote his concentrated attention to the keeping of steps on the ground after abstaining himself from the five types of scriptural study and from the objects of the five senses, so that he may avoid injury to the living beings that may be there. (d) He should move only for the accomplishment of a legitimate purpose, i.e., a purpose which is estimable and is in consonance with his spiritual status and honour, for instance, pilgrimage, visiting the Guru and other saints of great repute, meeting a challenge for religious discussion, the preaching of Dharma etc. (e) As for the process of moving, he should slowly and compassionately move, should carefully observe the ground in front of himself to the extent of four cubits (two yards)10, and should avoid running, jumping, inseriousness, looking in other directions, digging ground, and cutting trees and vegetables. 11
2) BHĀSĀ-SAMITI: The saint who does not take interest in backbiting, in ridiculing others, in self-commendation, and in speaking harsh words, but who speaks what is beneficial to himself and to others is said
1 Mülā. 336; Uttarā. 24/1, 2. 2 Mülā. 302. Bhaga. Arā. 1191.; Uttarā. 24/4. Tattvärthasara. VI-7. 3 Bhaga. Arā. Comm. Vija. and Mülā. 1191. 4 Mülā. 304 to 306. 5 Mülā. 11; Niyama. 61; Uttară. 24/5. 6 Bhaga. Arā. Comm. Vija. 1191. 7 We shall deal with these in thes ubsequent chapter. 8 Bhaga. Arā. Comm. Vija. and Müla. 1191; Uttarā. 24/8. 9 Bhaga. Ară. Comm. Vija. and Müla. 1191. 10 Niyama. 61; Mülā. 11, 103; Acārā. p. 137. 11 Bhaga. Ara. Vija. and Mülā. 1191; Linga Pähuda. 15, 16.
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
