ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 285

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4.0 Sāmāyika as Sikşāvrata, Pratimā for Householders Śikṣāvratas are the third stage of vows for householders, which are observed to prepare the householder to live like a monk. So by definition, they require a definite regimen of practice several times during the day. Posture of the body, time period and its frequency i.e. morning, afternoon and evening and duration are adhered to. Also while performing, after the recitation of mantras and verses, the practitioner needs to contemplate on self and its uniqueness compared to other types of substances and its own nature. Also there are flaws identified, which the practitioner is required to remove while performing it. So as Śikṣāvrata, it is more disciplined and rigorous. Also the practitioner at this stage has already achieved a higher level of spiritual purification and is almost ready practicing equanimity all the time like a monk as away of life.
Sāmāyika as Pratimā is as the 2nd Pratimā (out of eleven stages of spiritual development for householders prior to becoming a monk). Thus the householder, who has accepted this pratimă, performs (as by monks) veneration of the omniscient and Sāmāyika simultaneously. Posture of the body, time period (minimum 48 minutes per practice) and its frequency i.e. morning, afternoon and evening and duration are strictly adhered to.
5.0 Sāmāyika for Monks Since the monks practice Mokşa-mărga all the time and for their entire life; Sāmāyika for them becomes a way of life. Besides practicing three times as for householders; they observe equanimity in their thoughts, attitudes of carefulness (samitis) and attitudes of restraints (guptis) in all their activities while performing their daily activities of going for food, sitting, standing, interacting with householders etc. Kundakunda in his text 'Niyamasāra chapter on Samadhi describes Sāmāyika for monks (verses 125-133) i.e. those who are permanently practicing sāmāyika as follows:
1. He who is always indifferent to all types of attachments, is practicing the three attitudes
of restraint (mind, body and speech) and has conquered the sensual pleasures. 2. He who always observes equanimity towards all moving and stationary living beings. 3. He who is always busy in observing self-restraint, vows and penance. 4. He in whom the ill feelings of attachment and aversion do not occur. 5. He who gives up the two flawed meditation types (ārta and raudra) and is always
observes the other two types of meditation namely Dharma and śukla. 6. He who gives up the feelings of merit and demerit.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0