ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

Page 372

Gita says, "It is the foolishness of a person that he thinks that he is the doer of this thing" (Ahankara vimudhata kartaahomti manyate). When a man has destroyed his pride, he becomes a saint, a great thinker and his path towards liberation becomes perfect.
The great Indian king Harsha, every after five years donated his wealth and even passed over his ornaments and clothes. Donations exalt a person and bring peace in the world.
Pride is of different kind's public position, wealth, scholarship, beauty, relatives, high family status and so on. One may be proud of even small things. But all these things are meant for hatred, disputes and social evils. For a proper co-existence we must not be false proud or have anything wrong with anyone.
Chamund Raya, the great commander-in-chief got built the greatest beautiful statue of Lord Bahubali. He was the happiest person to see this biggest statue in the world. When there was the Mahamastakabhishekha (the great ablution) of this statue, the water would not flow down from head to chest even. Thousands of jars were poured upon. Why for Chamund Raya had become conceited and thought that he was the builder of this statue. All the efforts proved in vain.
Then appeared an old lady with a small earthen pot but no one would allow her to anoint the lord. But on repeated requests she was allowed to do the Prakshal of the statue and lo the water came down like a ware fall. Here it was the true desire of the old lady that the divine power helped her.
• Supreme Celibacy (Uttama Brahmacharya)
Celibacy occupies a great significant and prominent place in people's life. This penance protects one's body and develops his soul. Such person can well lead family life properly. Husband and wife should be satisfied and contented with each other and should have good reciprocal good regard. Celibacy makes one daring, fearless, happy and well intended.
Apart from the nine commands celibacy has been given as the tenth command to be observed on all the ten days of Parsyushan and then there must be restrictions according to own itself. It may be Ashtami Chaturdashi (8" and 14" days of the month). To indulge in extra sexual affairs may lead to diseases and fear at the heart. Celibacy has been included as the fourth vratas- non-violence, truth, non- stealing, celibacy and non-attachment. Kunda Kunda acharya says,
Taha vi ya sachche date bamhe, Aprigmahattne cheva
Kirdi ajjhavasanam jam, Tena dubajjhade punnamtt One who observes and follows these five vratas becomes meritorious and leads a happy life. In case of a house holder these five vratas are known as Anuvratas. They are given a sort of relaxation in observing these fasts. The pontiffs have to follow strictly all the five vratas. If one follows celibacy says Yogashastra,
Chitrayushah susansthana, Diradhasamhsanna narah
Tejasvino mahavirya, Bhaveyurbrahmacharyatah One gets longevity, able-bodied, his health becomes solid, valiant and a thoughtful person. See the importance of celibacy says Bhartrihari,
Vyalo malyaguayate, Virharasah Piyushavarshayate
Yasyangeakhilaloka vallabhamatam, ShilamSamunmilitam A serpent can turn into a garland, poison may turn into nectar. One who is observing celibacy he enjoys the greatest happiness of life.
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0