ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

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1. Up dhisambhoga - The possessions of a monk are called Up dhi. The monks should
exchange these Up dhis with other monks with care. 2. Srutasambhoga - The monk should instruct other monks with regard to the
scriptures. 3. Bhaktap na - The food given to other monks should be pure. 4. Aijalipragraha - The monk should pay due respect to other monks. 5. D nasambhoga - Pupils can be exchanged with the other monks of the same group. 6. Nimantra a - A monk can invite another monk of the same group for exchange of
food, possessions and pupils. 7. Abhyutth na - The monk should pay due respect to other monks of the same group
by giving them seat etc., and by standing from his seat on their arrival. 8. Krtikarma - Should give proper salutation etc. 9. Vaiyy vrtya - The old, diseased, and disabled monks should be served with due
respect and care. 10. Samavasara a - He should join the assembly at the time of religious discourse. 11. Sannisadya - The monk can share his seat with the monk of his own group but not
with the nun. 12. Kath - Prabandha - He should discuss various religious matters with fellow monks.
The order is thus an organized form of asceticism but the primary form of asceticism is to be practiced by an individual all-alone even when he is a member of an Order
5.2 Twelve Reflections The practice of asceticism is not a bed on roses. It is a very difficult path. What sustain an aspirant on this path are certain reflections, which have been classified into twelve:
1. The first is the transitory nature of things. Nothing is permanent in the world. If we
get attached to a particular thing we are bound to suffer. 2. Nobody can escape death, nor can anybody save one from death. It is, therefore,
unwise to depend on relatives, wealth, or position because all of them are helpless
before death. 3. The soul is transmigrating from one body to another body from time immemorial. It
has undergone all possible favorable and unfavorable situations. There is no end to
this journey unless one adopts the path of spiritualism. 4. Even though we live in a society speaking truly, we are all alone. We have to suffer
the miseries all alone and there is none to share them. 5. One has to realize that the self is distinct from body. Pampering the body is of no use
for the self. 6. The body, which consists of flesh, blood, and bones is impure all in and all out. 7. The universe is very huge and the man is so small that he has no point in being
proud of himself. 8. It is a very rare chance that one gets the knowledge of right path. Once it is attained
one should not miss this rare chance. 9. Because of our activities, there is constant inflow of karma, which covers our true
nature. 10. This inflow of karma is to be stopped if we want to protect our purity. 11. The already accumulated karmas are to be shed. 12. The real nature of truth is to be realized.
With these reflections, the monk becomes steadfast in asceticism.
6.0 Summary From the aforesaid description of the conduct of a Jaina monk, it would be clear that asceticism is a form of pure spiritualism, which does not admit of any concession for worldly life. There is a contradiction between the spiritual life and mundane life, which is clearly brought out by what has
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0