ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 283

TUDIES
OTG
two. We shall now see how it is detailed in different categories like Avaśyakas, Sikşāvratas, Pratimas and type of conduct for monks.
3.0 Sāmāyika as Avaśyaka Āvaśyaka literally means essential duties to be performed by the practitioner of Moksa Mārga. A separate text considered as canonical was written immediately after Mahāvira's nirvana by some acāryas at that time. Āvasyakas are supposed to be practiced by monks and householders alike; however there is difference for each category. These are enumerated in a scientific manner as follows:
1. Sāmāyika or State of equanimity of the self 2. Caturvinsatistva or reciting the virtues of the 24 firthamkaras. 3. Vandānā or veneration of the holy teacher/s. 4. Pratikramana or visiting the mistakes committed during the day and seek forgiveness
and punishment. 5. Kāyostarga or relaxation i.e. developing a feeling of separateness of body and self. 6. Pratyākhyāna or determination not to commit the faults again.
Svetāmbara tradition accepts these Āvasyakas: as common to both householders and monks, while Digambara tradition accepts these for monks and for householders they have different avaśyakas, namely Devapūjā (worshipping the omniscient), Gurū-upāsti (veneration of the holy teachers), Svādhyāya (self study), Sanyama (self restraint), Dāna (charity), Tapa (Austerities), Pratyākhyāna or vowing not to make mistakes or practice Mokşa-mārga in future. These avaśyakas do have all the features of avasyakas for monks but emphasis is given on simple Dos on a daily basis e.g. Caturvinsatistava is included in Devapūjā and Sāmāyika in Sanyama and Tapa. Most of the Digambara householders do perform Sāmāyika also in the morning before going for Devapūjā.
3.1 Performing Sāmāyika Sāmāyika has certain pre-requisites i.e. the person indulging in it should have right belief in Tattvāratha, practice equanimity and self control else it becomes just a show due to the practitioner's inability to control his mind, body, speech. Only a person who is aware and conscious of self-restraint, vows, austerities and soul can perform Sāmāyika. Further the
& Schubring, Die Lehre der Jainas, p. 170
Upasakādhyayana, Somdevas īri, Kärikä 459-565
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0