First Steps to Jainism Part 1

Author(s): Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari
Publisher: Sancheti Trust Jodhpur

Page 66

52 First Steps to Jainism
(a) Samayak Vrata-This requires refrainment from all un-virtuous acts whatsoever and engagement in meditation, prayer, reading scriptures etc. for a limited period of time not less than forty-eight minutes. (b) Deshavakasik Vrata-To contract boundaries of one's movement further the layman prescribes limits beyond which he will not travel during the course of one day or during any prescribed period of time.
(c) Paushad Vrata-This vow brings a layman very near the saints. Under this he undertakes to go without food and or even without drink for twenty-four hours forgoing all other activities except spiritual pursuits. (d) Atithi Sambhag Vrata-According to this vow a layman shall provide food, drink, cloth, medicines, accomodation etc. to the saints.
80. These seven vows together with the five minor vows make twelve vows for the laity who are known as Sravakas. These are intended to enable leading a peaceful, and disciplined life as already explained. These are practicable and with their practice the householder can proceed on the path of Right Conduct.
81. Common duties for saints and laity-Then we come to some duties commonly prescribed for the saints as well as laity. Here again there is a difference of degree depending upon the capacity as well as level of the individual proceeding on the path. The foremost amongst these is Right Penance which is as important as Right Knowledge, Right Vision and Right Conduct to justify separate place along with three jewels. However, as already mentioned we have included this as a part of Right Conduct.
82. Right Penance is of twelve types as mentioned in the previous chapter. As mentioned earlier to become Right Penance it should be combined with Right Vision and Right Knowledge. Twelve types of Right Penance are only named below again. However, these will defined in detail in the next chapter.
(a) External Penance (Bahiya Tap)
(i) Fasting (anshan)