ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

Page 370

Dayanta says, "Always control over five senses, keep properly the restraint jewel for there are thieves in the forms of various pleasures (Kaya Chhanan Pratipal, Panchendriya Mana Vasha Karo, Sanyama Ratna Samahal Vishaya Chora Bahu Phirata Hain).
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Supreme Austerities (Uttama Tapa)
Uttam Tapa means fasting, abstinence, prayers, devotion, meditation and through these enlightening one's soul, and thorough control of senses and desires to benefit the spiritual self, get the release himself from the shackles of bondage.
Everyone should, according to his physical capacity, slowly practise austerity Tapa and renunciation (Tyaga) and endeavour to take himself higher. It is not proper to take our self near death through meaningless starvation because the human body is the vehicle (Sadhan) to religious uplift (Dharm Sadhan) and spiritual betterment.
Austerity is a powerful missile to destroy evils like anger, greed etc, but as the handling of the missile requires perfect training and metal concentration so the austerity has its way in controlling over one self. One is aware of the fact that the physical, mental and vocal activities of a person cause the inflow of karmic matter. This activity is known as yoga. Yoga Vasishtha says, Yogah Chittavrtti Nirodhah i.e. controlling over fives senses is yoga.
Now how the influx of Karmic matter may be destroyed so Uma Swami says, Tapasa Nirjara Cha. By austerities (is caused) shedding of Karmic matter and also stoppage of flow.
Samyagyoganigrahoguptih. Gupti prevention is proper control (Nigraha) over mind, speech and body. There are twelve kinds of Tapa: 1. Six external austerities 2. Six internal austerities Six external austerities
Anshana- To avoid food and be away from Kashayas anger, pride, maya and greed. Unodara. To take less food than you require. Vrttiparisankhyana- To decide to take limited things in lunch. Rasaparityaga-To avoid any juicy thing. Kayaklesha-To avoid physical pleasures and physical embellishments Viviktashayyasana- To take only one posture for meditation. Six internal austerities Prayashchita i.e. repentance. To repent for the mistakes done previously,
Vinaya- To pay respect to the holy ones. (iii) Vaiyavrata. To serve the high-souled religious sages. (iv) Svadhyaya- To read scriptures. (v) Vyuttsarga-To renounce internal and external attachments. (vi) Dhyana- To concentrate on self.
(ii)
Swami Samantbhadra says, Vishyashavashatito Nirarambhoaprigraha i.e. to control over sensual pleasures and shun attachment should be the aim of the person. In Adipurana austerity has been as the greatest power, Tapah Shakti Raho Para.
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Supreme Renunciation (Uttama Tyaga)
It implies avoiding all evil practices adoption of renunciation and cooperation with others because the individual and society are complementary to earth offer. The progress of the society ensures the progress of individual'.
Parasparopgraho J vanam'. It will be possible only when a person shares his material resources with others and is willing to help others. Renunciation leads to peace and general progress. The affluent person ought to use his possessions for the progress and prosperity of the society. Consuming ones possession himself is neither good for oneself nor for the society. Selfish motive may lead to anarchy.
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0