ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 341

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
परम
vision. Self-confidence, faith, trust and fidelity are its ingredients. Without realizing the self, it is aimless wandering in the undiscovered caves of fallacious reasoning.
The Fundamental Human Rights and Jainism
Jainism observed the fundamental human rites by observing the vows of householder's life. This aspect may be divided into three stages. The first is the commencement stage termed as Pākṣika śrāvaka and the second one is the superior stage termed as Naisthika śrāvaka. The third is the Sadhaka śrävaka who observes the Sallekhana at the time of death.
The Householder (śrāvaka or śramanopāsaka) is one who listens the Dharma with full faith from Acāryas and Parameşthis. He is one whose sins flow away from him (śravanti yasya pāpāni) on hearing these sermons. He is also called Agāri or Sāgāri because he stays in the house. He prepares himself gradually and steadily to renounce the world with right faith by observing the rules prescribed and then fulfils the responsibilities for the welfare of the family, ascetics, society, nation and mankind. The Upasakadaśāmga, Sravakaprajñapti, Ratnakaranda Sravakācāra, Vasunandi Śrävakācāra, Sagaradharmamrta, and so many other Jain Texts explain these characteristics of laity.
Some of the important attributes of the householder may be mentioned as follows:observation of non-violence, compassion, legitimate earning, hospitality, refraining from unnecessary criticism of Government, keeping good accompany, paying respect to parents, service of people, observing religious preaching, firm in conduct, right character, gratefulness, generosity, being afraid of sin, meditation, celibacy, no food at night, refusal of food with life, giving up possessions, honesty, appreciating conduct, life and activities of spiritually advanced people, avoiding expenditures exceeding income and so on. Such rules make life pleasant. These attributes consider the ecology and indispensable part of spirituality and life as well. Possessed of such qualities the votary will reform not only himself but also his society. The spiritual status of the Householder is decided on his performance as jaghanya (lower), madhyama (middle), and utkrasta (best) or Paksika, Naisthika and Sādhaka. These are the different categories of religious observation, which protect the human rites of the individual liberty and social responsibilities. Of these the observance of the duties of Pakṣika śrāvaka keeps more importance in terms of Human Rights.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0