ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 40

7) Austerity, Penance (Tapa) 8) Renunciation (Tyāga) 9) Non-attachment (Akiñcanya) 10) Celibacy (Brahmacarya)
Adherence to the prescribed code of conduct and contemplation on the natural attributes of the pure soul enables weakening of passions, reducing the karmic-body and leading to the goal of self-realization. To celebrate these ten natural attributes of the soul, Jains every year observe Dasa-lakṣaṇa-mahāparva (Great Festival of Ten Virtues), also called Paryūṣaṇaparva during the months of August/September. Each day is devoted to the contemplation, study, practice and discussions of a single attribute.
12. Rarity of true enlightenment: Among all forms of living beings, humans alone have the greatest capacity for rational knowledge and can control their lives. Hence only humans have the ability to attain enlightenment. A healthy human life blessed with properly developed senses and highly evolved consciousness conducive to attain spiritual enlightenment is rare.
3.1.1.2. Virtuous Meditation (Dharma-dhyāna) Meditation (Dhyāna) involves concentration of mind on a single topic. Meditations have been classified according to the subject/object of concentration into four types:
1) Sorrowful Meditation (Arta-dhyāna): relates to distress or pain 2) Inclement/Cruel Meditation (Roudra-dhyāna): relates to revenge, violence, deceit 3) Virtuous Meditation (Dharma-dhyāna): on the real nature of the self and the universe 4) Spiritual Meditation (Sukla-dhyāna): on the pure nature of self/soul/consciousness
The first two types of meditations are most common in inauspicious leśyās and induce karmic-influx; however, endeavors to practice virtuous meditation (Dharma-dhyāna) can help to destroy karma and thus transform into the auspicious lesyās (see table 1.).
3.1.2. Introspection and Repentance (Pratikramaņa) Pratikramaņa meaning "introspection" is a process of repentance (prāyascit) and asking for forgiveness during daily activities. Pratikramana is the combination of two words, 'Pra' meaning return and 'atikramaņa' meaning violation. Jain householders are supposed to
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