ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 290

SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
Farenga
परम
AN STUDIES
This festival is celebrated by the Jains every year during the months of February (Magha), April (Caitra), and September (Bhadrapada) from the fifth day of bright moon fortnight to the 14th day.
Bhadrapada (September) month has been observed as the best for accounting ones own self right and wrong doings. During these days the pontiffs observe Caumāsā (four months stay) and almost stay at one place and meditate upon self. These days the ascetics devote themselves for study, teaching and imparting sermons to the devotees. The devotees get an opportunity to talk freely to the ascetics and sometimes learn scriptures from them. There are free classes for teaching religious books. In the sthanakas people sit, meditate upon self and practice silence (mauna).
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
For these ten days everyone day is devoted to a particular observance and according to the day there is discourse on that particular subject like austerity, forgiveness whatever it may.
Bhadon month (September) has been considered to be the best month for observing these Dasalakṣaṇa days. Mallinatha Purana observes, oh! It is the best month as it inspires for religious activities and in this month due to a number of holy events occurring and described in the Jain texts. The observance of these ten commands help in development of mental, vocal and physical concentration and help in control over five senses and four passions, anger, pride, greed the root cause of all evils.
The day starts early in the morning with ablution of the lord. To see this ablution is a great achievement for the devotees. There is peace, serenity and complete harmony in the atmosphere. There is the discussion, discourse on Kalpasūtra and other religious scriptures by the Svetämbaras while there is scripture reading in the morning and evening. In the evening there are religious discussions, meetings, prayers (ārati) with lamps and devotional songs and dances.
Starting on 5 day the 10 day is observed as Sugandhadasami day, a great joyful, energetic and inspiring day to the children and all. People with sandal-wood powder visit temples and offer the same in the fire pot signifying that bad habits, bad actions, bad ideas of a man, the inflow of Karmic matter may burn and he may achieve salvation. He may tread
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