ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 83

the 24th Tirthamkara in a meditative posture, another illustration from the Calligraphed edition of the Constitution of India, Jainism is another stream of spiritual renaissance which seeks to refine and sublimate man's conduct and emphasises Ahimsā (Non-violence), as the means to achieve it. This became a potent weapon in the hands of Mahatma Gandhi in his political struggle against the British Empire.
Quotations for disciples and laity for day to day life20 • Anusāsio na kuppejä. 1/9. Do not get angry when disciplined • Khuddehim saha samsaggim hāsam kidam ca vajjae. 1/9. Do not keep company of bad
people. Do not indulge in making fun (cutting jokes) or associated activities. • Nā puttho vāgare kinci puttho vā nāliyan vaye. 1/14. Do not speak unless asked for. And do not
tell lie when asked to speak. • Koham asaccan kuvejja 1/14. Suppress (or destroy) anger. • Appă danto suhi hoe. 1/15. He who gains full control over himself is happy. • Sui dhammassadullahā. 3/8. It is very difficult to get (hear) religious sermons. • Sohi ujjuyabhūuyassat. 3/12. He is sacred /holy who is simple. • Ghorā muhutta abalam sariram. 4/6. Time is very cruel and the body very fragile. • Kammasacchāhu pāņino. 7/20. An act performed never goes without results. • Varam me appā damnto samjamena tavena ya; Māham parehim dammanto bandhanehi
vahehiya. It is better that I suppress or destroy my ills (sins) through self-restraint and penance. It is not good that others do so to me through discipline or giving pain.
5. Summary We can conclude and summarize Mahāvīra's teachings in the four lines as follows:
Ahimsā in conduct Aparigraha in life Anekānta in thoughts Syādvāda in speech Jain philosophy as we know today is all based on Mahāvīra's teachings. The entire program of the summer school has been designed around His teachings and their use to address today's problems.
For further Reading: Religion and Culture of Jainism by Dr J.P.Jain, Bhartiya Gyanpith, New Delhi Jain Path of Purification by P.S.Jaini, Moti Lal Banarasi Dass, Delhi Jain Dharma ka Saral Parichay in Hindi by Pt Balbhadra, Kundakunda
Bharati,
Delhi
20 Uttaradhyayana Sutra, ED. Mishrimalji Maharaj, APS Vyavar, 1984
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0