Interpretation Of Jain Ethics

Author(s): Charlotte Krause
Publisher: Yashovijay Jain Granthmala

Page 42

perform the Six Avasyakas in their stereotyped combi. nation."
5. The fifth Avasyaka is the Kayotsarga, i.e. the Kayotsarga austerity, as described before, generally pero formed by the way of meditating, while standing motion less, in the Kayotsarga posture. At present, it is often performed in a sitting posture, too. The duration of each Kayotsarga must be fixed before, and the time minutely kept.
6. The last Avasyaka is the Pratyakhyana, i.e. a formal vow taken in the presence of the Guru with refer. ence to any kind of restriction or renunciation to be performed. The Mahavratas and Anuvratas are Pratyakhyanas too, it is true, and so are the other Vratas of Sravakas likewise. But as Pratyakhyana-Avasyaka in the narrower sense, only such vows as are adopted for a short period are usually counted. There are various kinds of Pratyakhyanas, differing with reference to the object of renunciation, to its duration and formalities. A man can solemnly renounce the society and help of his fellowascetics, if he happens to be a Sadhu, or he can give up all utterances of arising passions, or certain kinds of food, such as one or other of the Vikritis, or, for a certain time, all kinds of food whatsoever, or he can reduce the quantity of food, he can reduce his movements, or the territory within which to move, he can restrict or renounce his sexual activity, etc. etc.
The Svetambar Canon contains certain Prakrit for mulas, which are recited at the time of "taking " the Pratyakhyana. They contain so-called Akaras, i. e. reser. vations of cases in which transgressions that happened without the fault of the vower, are not to be counted as