ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 41

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6. The 'Sadhu Monks: (Jaina Monks (male and female, ascetics, Šramaņas)15
Those who are free from all worldly activities; are always deeply absorbed in four kinds of observances (Ārādhanās), i.e., faith, knowledge, conduct and penance, twelve types of contemplations, and are absolutely possession-less and free from any delusion i.e., totally detached from worldly affairs, are called to be the true Jaina monks. The 'Sadhus' have 28 basic observances (Mūlagūnas) 16, which are enumerated as per below:
In Mokṣa Mārga Prakāśaka, Todarmal has written the characteristics of a Jaina monk as under:
6.1 Characteristics of Sadhus-(Ascetic/monk)
'Excepting the preceding above mentioned two types of rank- holders' monks i.e. Acārya and upadhyāya, the rest are all those monks who hold monk's rank and are engrossed in attaining the nature of the soul. They maintain indifference towards in worldly substances/ activities by treating them neither agreeable nor disagreeable. Thus they try to calm down their manifestation of soul in its own nature and externally observe religious penances, rituals etc. as being instrumental causes. Sometimes they engage themselves in the acts of invocation, obeisance and such other activities worthy of him. Such are the true Jaina monks who incessantly make efforts for the realization of the self /soul; I bow to all such ascetic monks.
6.2 General Characteristics of Jaina Monks:
He (the true believer), who after becoming dispassionate and indifferent to worldly pleasures, relinquished all kinds of possessions and attachments and accepted to practice
15 Vāvāra vippamukkā cauvvihārāhaṇā sayārattā, niggamthā nimmohā sāhu ederisa homti/Niyamasäāra by Kundakunda verse 75:
16 Mahāvratas or major-vows (5): Five great vows of non-injury, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possessiveness. Samitis or Attitudes of carefulness (5): in walking, talking, taking food, keeping & lifting of book, water pot called Kamandalu or Picchi (Peacock feathers broom) and in elimination of excreta etc; Indriya-vijaya (Conquering of five senses) (5); Avasyakas or essential observances daily (6): Equanimity, obeisance to and Eulogy of omniscient, study of scripture, repentance with confession for transgression in observing rites, chanting Namokara-Mantra by giving up attachment to body; Other compulsory activities (7): Sleeping on ground on one hand side, not cleaning the teeth, notbathing, taking meal standing in hallowed palms, taking meal only once in day hours, living naked- unclothed and pulling put hairs of head, chin & moustache. These are for Digambara monks. For Śvetämbara monks, there are some deviations in dress, food habits etc.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0