ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 331

शायाव पर
Chapter XXIII is a dialogue between Keśī and Gautama and is important for its historical content. Keśi was a follower of the Pārsva order and Gautama was the first disciple of Lord Mahāvīra. The two great leaders met and discussed the differences of Cāturyāma Dharma of Pārśva and the five Mahāvrata order of Mahāvīra besides scores of philosophical, religious and spiritual details. Kesi enquired and Gautama replied and the people listened with devotion and faith and rejoiced. Ultimately Kesi accepted the five vows and became a follower of Lord Mahāvīra. During the conversation Gautama clarifies the little doubts of Keśī and enlightens him of the spiritual path of the Tirthamkaras, which is pure, logical, practical, eternal, universal and utmost simple.
Chapter XXV highlights the “ramanic culture and the Brahmanic culture and establishes the supremacy of spirituality over Vedic rituals, non-violence over violence, wisdom over ignorance, equanimity over incoherent practices and austerities over external appearances. In the city of Varanasi, Jayaghosa enlightens his brother Vijayaghosa about the true nature of spiritual yajña and the futility of animal sacrifices and ceremonial practices. Verses 31 and 32 inform us: 'Not by Tonsure but by Equanimity one becomes a śramana, not by Chanting of Om, but by Celibacy one is a Brāhmaṇa, not by staying in a Forest but by Wisdom one becomes a Muni, not by external Appearances but by Austerities one becomes a Tāpasa.' The spiritual and practical meanings of Yajña, Māhana, Śramana, Muni, Brāhmana, Ksatriya etc are revealed. The dreadfulness of the world, sorrows of birth and death, karmas as the cause of transmigration are preached and the message of spirituality, detachment, contentment, self-restraint, significance of vows, righteousness etc is imparted for one and all with loving kindness.
Section III, Dogmatic Discourses, Chapters 24, 26, 28-31, 33, 34, 36: Section Ill discusses the dogmatic discourses revealed in chapter 24, 26, 28-31, 33, 34 and 36. Although other lessons also contain dogmatic discourses they were interwoven with narratives and often monastic details are predominant. Chapter II, which narrates the twentytwo afflictions can be included in both sections of monastic teachings and dogmatic discourses besides Chapter XXIV, which elaborates the 5 fold samiti i.e. regulatory practices and the three fold guptis i.e. restraints. The two together make up the spiritual and physical discipline of an ascetic. The former guides the ascetic's conduct in society and the latter teaches him how to master oneself. The eight together are titled 'Pravacana-mātā, the mother of all teachings. Right Conduct is stressed and elaborated in this chapter whereas the other chapters of this section are important for Right Knowledge and Right Faith.
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