ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 335

प्याय परम
B.6.0.b
Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra Prof. Bhagchandra Jain
Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra (RKSC) is a work of Ācārya Samantabhadra of about second 3rd c. A.D. It is basically a code of conduct prescribed traditionally to a householder. The correct definition of Dharma has been provided in the Text. In fact, the author showed a path as to how the householder should lead a life. This is the unique feature of this text as it is exclusively devoted to the conduct of householders only. Accordingly Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra is also called Upāsakādhyayana. It consists of 150 verses in Sanskrit and is divided in five chapters as follows:
Chapter
Subject
Right belief /Samyakdarsana Right knowledge Right conduct Sikşāvratas or vows to enhance the effectiveness of minor vows described in chapter 3. Sallekhanā and eleven stages of householder's stages of spiritual purification.
Prabhācandra in Sanskrit wrote it's most prominent commentary and the same had been translated in Hindi by Dr. Panna Lal. A number of other commentaries, like by Sadasukh Lal etc. are also popular amongst Jain households who study it literally on a daily basis and repeatedly. There is also a Kannada commentary where about 50 verses from other sources are included. The text is also there divided into seven chapters.
The background of the Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra is to foster understanding of religion in perspective of humanistic approach. Religion is the main source of encouragement to all who share the spirituality of enlightened teachers and their vision of humanity as one global family and the earth as one homeland. This humanitarian concept created awareness in the society particularly the under privileged and down trodden groups or classes for protection and development.
I shall highlight the important features of Jainism in general and the principles of human life in particular along with its positive contribution to human life concerned with the
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0