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"Extending Jain Heritage to the Next Generation"
flowers of the tree without hurting the flowers, so a monk free from all bondages takes necessary food etc.only from those people who are devoutand charitable.
(Uttaradhyayan 9.35)
Countless mountains of gold and silver, as high as Kailash (Mt. Everest) would not satisfy a greedy man, because his desires are limitless like space.
SHASHTRAS.
Now let us read a few simple Shloks (in English) from some of these Agams. ACHARANG is the name of the very firstAgam.
DASHAVAIKALIK andUTTARADHYAYAN are the names of second and the fourth Mool Sootras.
Jambuswami! Long may you live, I have heard the following discourse from Lord Mahavi
(Acharang 1.1.1)
As our body is born, plants are born; as we grow, so plants grow; as we have reason (mind), so plants have reason; as our body is damaged when cut, so a plant is damaged when cut; as we need food, so plants need food; as we are mortal, so plants are mortal; as we have ups and downs, so plants have ups and downs; as we have some irregularities (in our life), so plants have some irregularities.
(Dashavaikalik, 1.3)
A monk, for his own benefit or other peoples' benefit, while in favour or in fear, should not speak untrue words or words which are true but may cause distress.
(Uttaradhyayan 9.47)
A dew drop sitting on the top of a grass blade falls on the ground and does not last long; similarly man's life does not last long. O Gautam! do not be careless for a single moment.
The JAINA Library Report
(Dashavaikalik, 6.11)
A wise monk bears hunger, thirst, rough-sleeping, cold, heat, fear and pain. Austerity by way of suffering and tolerance of hardship makes any monk a truly great monk.
(Dashavaikalik, 8.27)
A wise one knowingly or unknowingly commits any sinful act, then on realizing his mistake he immediately repents and takes more care in all his normal duties.
(Acharang 1.5.44)
Some kill living beings for sacrificial purposes, some kill for their skins, some kill for their flesh, some for the blood, heart, liver, fat, feathers, or teeth, some with specific reasons, some without reason, some out of fear (defense).
He who is disinclined from killing the smallest living beings knows what suffering is because he who knows his own happiness and pains, knows others' too, and he who knows others' feelings knows his own feelings. This is the way one must compare himself with others. He who has obtained this knowledge would not wish to live after killing other living beings.
(Dashavaik alik, 8.32)
Anger destroys good-will, pride destroys humbleness, deceit destroys friendship, but greed destroys everything. Anger should be killed by peace of mind (by frecing from bitterness towards any one), pride by humbleness, deceit by straightforwardness and greed by contentment. When anger and pride are still unchecked, when deceit and greed are on the increase, these four vices water the roots of the trce of re-birth.
JAINA Library was started earnestly in 1989. Now we have reached the goal of having basic books for our immediate with us. After obtaining feedback from the Jain community, these esteemed scholars will devote their energies in that direction.
The JAINA Library would also select a set of 10-15 representative books on Jainism and make them available to various high schools, colleges and others interested in Jainism.
The library would also like th start communication with inter-faith institutions in North America. In this direction, we would have to develop the list and biodata of Jain speakers who will communicate with these institutions. The JAINA Library also extendsits help to any Jain center in North America in starting a collection of books and other materials or duplicate any of the collections in the library.
We are also considering a plan to develop a gallery of Jain art and architecture. This gallery should represent our rich Jain heritage. We are also developing a plan to start selling Jain books, audios, videos, and Puja materials in a shop to those interested in learning more about Jainism.
In all of these projects, we need support, suggestions, and active participation from the Jain community.
(Acharang 1.6.55)
One has been born many times in a upper class family or many times ina lower class family. One should not be unduly proud of or be ashamed of these things. Understanding this diversity one should not boast about or long for such material things.
(Dashavaikalik, 8.38-40)
A wise monk never casts a glance at painting, image or figure of a woman. Ifaccidentally hiseyes fall on a woman's body, they bounce back as from the midday sun.
(Acharang 2.3.84)
As the bee drinks the juice from
(Dashavaikalik, 8.55)
Fight with your conflicting, wavering thoughts. One can obtain happiness by conqucring bad thoughts with the help of good thoughts.
Premchand B. Gada
Chairperson, JAINA Library
6TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
JULY 1991
45
Jain Education Interational 2010_03
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