ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

Page 415

3. iks vratas / Disciplinary Vows:- These are four in numbers:
Sm yika vrata: Making a mental fixation of time to refrain from all un-virtuous act whatsoever and to remain engaged in a virtuous such as meditation, contemplation etc. Pau adhopav sa vrata: To keep fast on 8th, 14th or full-moon date of the lunar month, to refrain from bodily decoration and to keep awake during night time engaged in virtuous acts. Upabhoga-paribhoga parim na vrata: Limiting the enjoyment of one's daily consumable or non-consumable things. Atithisamvibh ga vrata: To donate with a feeling of pure devotion to a worthy recipient things of daily need like food and drink, such as have been earned legitimately, and are in a usable condition, a donation so made as to prove advantageous to both the parties concerned.
From these rules of conduct for both spiritual and social welfare, it becomes clear that emphasis of Jainism is on controlled life and not on any sort of enjoyment. Any person, belonging to any group whatsoever, is expected to live a life with minimum passions as appropriate for his/her category. when monks and nuns are supposed to live a life of strict discipline and exclusive control of passions, householders are expected to pay due attention to the requirements of social, cultural and political requirements. Thus, social concern is relevant in the context of householders, not that of the ascetics. The religion which is well aware of this distinction and itself has set the rules for them has shown the depth of thought in matters of socio-spiritual welfare of the whole society as such.
Appendix Discipline for the homeless monks (The relevant verses from Uttaradhyayana Sutra chap. 1)
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A monk, who on receiving an order from his superior, walks up to him, watching his nods and motions, is called well-behaved (2) One should always be meek and not be talkative in the presence of the wise, one should acquire valuable knowledge and avoid what is worthless. (8) When reprimanded a wise man should not be angry, but he should be of a forbearing mood, he should not associate laugh and play with mean men (9) He should do nothing mean, nor talk much, but after having learned his lesson, he should meditate by himself.(10) If he by chance does anything mean, he should never deny it.(11) He should not speak unasked and asked he should not tell a lie; he should not give way to his anger and bear with indifference pleasant and unpleasant occurrences.(14) Subdue yourself, for the self is difficult to subdue. If your self is subdued, you will be happy in this world and in the next.(15) (He) should subdue the self by self-control and penance.... (16) He should never do anything disagreeable to the wise, neither in words, neither openly, nor secretly (17) A monk should avoid untruth, nor should he speak positively (about future things, his plans etc). he should avoid sinful speech and always keep free from deceit (24) He should not tell anything meaningless or hurtful, neither for his own sake, nor for anybody else's, nor without such a motive. (25) ...... a single monk should not stand with a single woman, nor should he converse with her. (26) A monk should not approach dining people sitting in a row, but should collect alms that are freely given; having begged according to the sanctioned rules, he should eat a moderate portion at the proper time.(32) .....a monk should accept permitted food that was prepared for somebody else(34)
List of references: 1. Tattvartha sutra of V caka Um sv ti, Chap.s 7 and 9. 2. Uttaradhyana sutra chap. 1
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0