First Steps to Jainism Part 1

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

Page 71

Step Four
The Three Hallmarks
(The Lakshan)
Dhammo Mangal Mukkitham Ahimsa Sanjamo Tavo, Deva Vi Tan Namasanti Jass Dhamme Saya Mano.
Religion Beneficient Best (Is) Non-Violence, Self-Control, Penance;
Even Gods Worship Him, Whose Mind Always (Engages in) Religion.
This is the first couplet (gatha) of the famous Dashvaikalik Sutra compiled by Shyambhavacharya, the fourth head of Jain Sect after Lord Mahaveera, hardly after 100 years of the latter's salvation. One cannot fail to notice the catholicity of the definition of the best religion in this couplet. It only gives the three criteria viz., non-violence, self-control and penance and any religion which prescribes this threefold way of life is considered as the best religion though it may bear any name. The couplet does not even mention Jainism or Nigrantha (knotless) the name by which it was known at that time.
2. However, it does declare the three hall-marks or distinctive features of Jainism and Jain way of life in simple language and these have been so understood and accepted by all and sundry. These hall-marks only summarise the principles of right conduct under the three heads of non-violence, self control and penance and place them in bold relief. Just as a tree is recognised by its trunk, branches and leaves though the ground it stands on and the invisible roots are equally important; similarly, the tree of Jainism is recognised by the trunk and branches consisting of Right Conduct