ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 324

Human birth with humanitarian qualities like compassion etc.
Opportunity to hear the true sermons
Steadfast faith in truth
Exertion in self-restraint
INTERNATIO
SCHOOL
5 Uttaradhyayana-sutra 3.1
6 Ibid 3.9, 12
Ibid 3.9, 12
7
OF
Chapter II gives the details of the 22 afflictions faced by an ascetic during the course of this
spiritual journey.
Chapter III teaches time management and describes the four difficult requisites:
(XI)
IN STUDIES
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
Farenga
The commentary on the Uttaradhyayana-sūtra informs that due to the following reasons one is not able to have right knowledge: laziness, delusion, disobedience, pride, anger, ignorance, tension, pleasure, gambling, etc. It is said that rational faith is difficult to acquire and it abides in a straightforward soul.5
तपः •
Chapter IV inspires us to be awakened and alert in life. Life is ephemeral and the time that passes away can never be got again, hence do not be negligent even for a while reminds the 10th chapter. Money, riches, kith and kin none can save the soul from old age, disease and death. One who conquers his desires can be freed from all miseries.
Chapter V teaches the art of dying and discusses in detail the death of a wise man and that of a fool. Death is inevitable and the brave face it with calm and poise. Chapter VI informs that ignorance is bondage and the ignorant are subject to pain and suffering in the web of transmigration. The wise give up the ten types of external possessions and fourteen types of internal possessions. The purpose of human life is to practice self-restraint in order to annihilate the karmas and to purify oneself. A self-realized ascetic lives like a bird not possessing anything and not saying anything for the morrow. He searches for the truth all by himself and nurtures friendliness towards all creatures. This has been revealed by allknowing all-seeing Arhat, Jñataputra Lord Mahāvīra.7 Chapter VII reveals the philosophy of Mahāvira through parables. Altogether four parables appear in this chapter and there are around 50 parables in the whole of Uttaradhyayana-sutra that makes the reading interesting. The parable of the lamb informs us that as a lamb is fed with rice and green grass only to be
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