________________
36 First Steps to Jainism
33. However, the pilgrim on the path of spiritual development should strive for expanding his knowledge in the light of Right Vision acquired. He should apply his mind and senses to acquaint himself with the true nature of things like soul, non-soul (matter), their interplay and make use of such knowledge for following the path of right conduct including Right Penance. Through right conduct or penance he should try to tear the bondage of karma and thereby gain the higher types of remote and mind reading knowledge and ultimately perfect knowledge after which nothing remains to be known or done. This brings us to the subject of Right Conduct.
34. Right Conduct-including Right Penance (Samyag Charitra including Samyag Tap)-As stated above having acquired Right Vision and Right Knowledge the spiritual seeker must proceed on the path of Right Conduct by practising what has been learnt through the former to achieve success in obtaining self-realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Just as a sick person, who has faith in his medicine as well as full knowledge thereof, will not be cured of the disease unless he takes the medicine according to the prescribed procedure, similarly, an individual possessing right vision and right knowledge shall not be successful in his efforts unless he necessarily practices Right Conduct.
35. Broadly speaking, Right Conduct implies a life of self discipline through self restraint as against life of self indulgence. It requires control over one's desires (which is generally the message of all the religions), since human desires are insatiable. In other words leading a restrained and disciplined life by disciplining one's mind, one's speech and one's body is the way of Right Conduct.
36. From another angle Right Conduct is related to the state of mind. If there is equanimity in adversity as well as prosperity, and if one is free from attachment (raga), infatuation (moha) and aversion (dvesh) or hatred (ghrina) all the conduct of such a person will be Right Conduct. It is here that Right vision and knowledge come into play. Vision gives confidence and knowledge clears the mind thus helping in attainment of equanimity, non-attachment and self-restraint.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
