Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

Page 93

reasons for such disdain for conventional samyakcăritra - 1) they have no faith in the words of the detached Omniscient. 2. They have not studied the scriptures of Caraṇānuyoga. This being has followed the conventional samyakcăritra not even once. Had he done so he would certainly have got liberated. He who follows the conventional samyakcăritra certainly gets liberated. He who considers it rejectable and has apprehension in following it has still long to suffer cycles of rebirth. In order to attain liberation Tirthankaras and innumerable number of sages have followed it. They did not automatically accomplish it according to their level. Instead, in order to reach that level, or to gain the status of an ascetic, they renounced all possessions, pulled out their hair, and accepted the ascetic-vows. All this did not happen automatically, they worked hard for it.
There is no scope of any doubt or misunderstanding if one properly understands conventional sam yakcāritra. Only that conduct which comes after samyagdarśana is called samyakcăritra. It involves elements of indulgence (pravrtti) and abstinence (nivrtti) both. Abstinence from vile is an element of absolute samyakcăritra and indulgence in good is an element of conventional samyakcăritra. Abstinence causes shedding of karmas. Indulgence here is in good and in the form of mild passions. This causes intense bondage of meritorious karmas. The physical and mental categories are also elements of indulgence and abstinence. The attachment-fraction is indulgence or physical and the detachment-fraction is abstinence or mental. Samyakcāritra is conduct inclusive of observing the codes of vows, self-regulations, restraints, contemplation, and enduring afflictions. The Aņuvratas (minor-vows) meant for laity and Mahāvratas (great-vows) meant for ascetics are included in conventional samyakcāritra.
PARAMĀTMĀ (God) AND CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE
There are numerous popular concepts and ideologies regarding the form of God and creation of the universe. If the form of God is understood properly the secret of the creation of the universe can easily be revealed. These two topics have already been dealt with briefly. Some more details are given here.