ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 225

UDIES
Morality is the first condition for all spiritual progress and the same morality is essential for any social progress. In this way, asceticism plays a role in guiding the society but its main object is spiritual realization. It is held that perfection lies in spiritualism and not in worldly progress. In a way, worldly pleasures are a hindrance to spiritual realization and, therefore, they cannot be recommended. The scriptures of the Vedic tradition, the Gītā for example appear to have a different view. They hold that worldly progress and spiritualism can go together. This is how Lokmanya Tilak interpreted Gītā. However, the interpretation of the Gītā by Šamkara has an ascetic overtone. Thus, we find that though the Vedic tradition has been wavering regarding the importance of asceticism, the Jaina tradition is firm about its conviction. The influence of Jainism on Vedic tradition can be clearly seen in the description of the life style of Rşabhadeva in the Bhagavat Purāņa.
2.0 Jaina Monk The conduct of a Jaina monk is the highest example of asceticism. He is expected to practice in what he believes. Let us therefore, have a look at the code of a Jaina monk to understand how asceticism is to be put in practice. This forms a unique chapter of Indian civilization and of the history of asceticism as a whole.
2.1 Who Can Become a Monk? A monk can practice spiritualism without any distinction of caste or colour. Harikeśī was a Pariah who was admitted to the order of monkhood and he is referred to with highest regard even though socially Pariah was considered to be belonging to the lowest cadre of the society. The conditions laid down for a person for qualifying for initiation for monk-hood are such, which do not discriminate between person and person on the basis of cast. One must be above the age of 8, should not be too old, should be physically and mentally fit and should not have any such social obligation as debt. The main emphasis is on moral qualities. On the whole we can say that any person who is physically fit and morally sound can be admitted to monkhood.
3. 0 Two Types of Monks In Svetāmbara tradition those monks who observed more strict code of conduct, form a separate category called Jinakalpi (i.e. who live like Lord Mahāvīra); whereas those, who are not so strict, are called Sthavirakalpa. Jinakalplis supposed to be not in vogue in modern times. Sthavirakalpa observes not only the moral code but also the rules, which are
Page 212 of 385
STUDY NOTES version 5.0