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27 VRATAS AND NIYAMAS (VOWS AND RULES)
In the account of the daily activities of a Shravak mentioned already, the rule relating to the Pachchakkan of the morning has been described. Vratas and Niyamas are ornaments of life. They exercise an efficacious control over sinful propensities and negligence; glorify human life in such a way that the jivas become attracted towards Punya (merit) and salvation. Vratas and Niyamas possess the power of dispelling sinful propensities and removing the bondages of Karma as well as destroying sins and gathering merits.
We have already learnt that even in the absence of sinful action, if we do not observe rules and vows, Karmas gacher in the soul on account of the sinful propensities in the heart. If we observe rules and vows, these sinful propensities are destroyed and since even the bondages of the mind come into the picture, sinful propensities will not arise in the mind as long as we keep observing Vratas and Niyamas. In this manner, when we have discarded sinful propensities and actions, the doors of auspicious contemplations and propensities are opened and by this means, we get an excellent opportunity. The efficacy of vows is described in a unique manner in the Jain Dharma. We may classify the vows or Niyamas into 3 groups (1) Pachchakkan; (2) 14 Niyamas; (3) Special Niyamas for Chaturmas and the rules to be observed throughout life. 1) PACHCHAKKAN : Pachchakkan means the various rules relating to renouncing food and water in the day and in the night. The jiva has been in the habit of eating food from times immemorial. It is so deceptive that we keep desiring food even after we have performed the Pachchakkan of Upavas or fasting. The causes for the Ahar Samjna (desire for food): (1) Soon after being born, the jiva consumes food; (2) On account of the reflections relating to the aharasamjna the faith of many people in meditation, self-sacrifice etc. become shaken. Therefore, we should keep gradually reducing the quantity of food that we
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