ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 289

B.4.4
Dasa Laksana Dharmal Ten Commandments/ Ten virtues
Dr. Shikhar Chand Jain
Most of us are always busy in our daily life such as business, service or whatever profession a person has adopted as the means of livelihood. We are so much absorbed in worldly life that our real cause of life is marred, neglected such as how to concentrate on spiritual development leading to good health, well behavior, be a law abiding citizen and a good neighbor, honest and cooperative person with a nice peaceful family life.
Our ancient philosophers, thinkers, preceptors and teachers have ordained certain commands, teachings to observe them for ten days in the year we are reminded of these principles by which following them we may keep our perfect health and tread on the path of righteousness thus making this world free from hatred, violence, smuggling and trafficking.
Now these ten observances or commands have been propounded by the great genius Umāsvāmi in his Tattvārtha-sūtra las:
Uttamakşamā mārdavārjava sauca satyasamyama tapastyāga ākiñcanya brahmacāryani dharmaḥll
These ten commands have been named as Daslakşaņa Dharma or ten commands or ten observances. Dasalakṣaṇa Dharma is also known as Paryūṣaṇa Mahāparva, Pajjosavaņa, Parivasaņa, Pajūsaņa, and Vasāvāso. All the sects of Jains celebrate this festival; the Digambaras for ten days while the Svetāmbaras for eight days.
All over the world this way or that way these sorts of observances are celebrated. The Christians observe it in their own way while the Muslims, Persians and Hindus they have own peculiar ways following the righteous life of honesty, simplicity, fasting, charity and compassion whatever may be the way of following observances, the aim is one, perfection in life full of love, fraternity and peace all over the world.
Tattvārtha-sútra, Verse IX.6
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