Handbook of Jainology

Author(s): Bhuvanbhanusuri
Publisher: Divya Darshan Trust

Page 172

24
BHAVA SHRAVAK (A SHRAVAK AT HEART)
If anyone tries to become a shravak with the vices of deception or hypocrisy, without a genuine feeling at heart, only for making a show as a shravak he is called a dravya shravak. On the other hand, he who carries out the life of a shravak with a pure and genuine feeling at heart is called a Bhavashravak.
In order to be a Bhavashravak, one must possess 6 qualities and his internal feelings must possess 17 qualities.
The 6 qualities of a Bhavashravak are: (1) Kritavratakarma (2) Shilavan (3) Gunavan (4) Rijuvyavahari (5) Gurushushrusha (6) Pravachankushal. Each of these has many
supporting external qualities.
(1) KRITAVRATKARMA: If one should be a Kritavratakarma, he must follow firmly the principles of dharma in respect of (1) Dharmashravan listening to discourses. (2) Observing vows realising the breaches etc. (3) Receiving Vratadharma for the whole time or for a short time. (4) carrying out dharma even in illness and inspite of impediments. The man who observes these principles is called a Kritavratakarma.
(2) SHILAVAN: In order to be a shilavan or a man of ethical excellence of character, he must observe the following rules. (i) Associating with the fellow members of one's faith who
are men of purity, knowledge and who follow excellent shravak dharma. This will decrease vices and increase virtues;
(ii) One should not go to others' houses, without reason especially if in a house there is a single woman. He should not at all go there because it will stain his character;
(iii) A man should never put on gaudy and unimpressive dress and decorations because it produces agitation and worry in the heart, with attachments. A Dharmatma should be always serene and spiritually splendid;