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for the householder by the great spiritual masters(9). It has scores of varieties and is enthusiastically performed in the temples by all sections of the society alike - the young, the old, the men and the women. It may take the form of listening, performing, offering, reciting, bowing, decorating the idols, lighting of the lamps, etc.
II. Swadhyaya (Scriptural Studies)
This includes acquisition of true knowledge of Godhood through appropriate scriptural studies. The Jain method of Sadhana gives supreme importance to acquisition of knowledge/10). It has been recommended for both the householders as well as ascetics as a part and parcel of their daily religious practice.
For the householders, the study is accomplished by daily and regular listening of the sermons(9), as well as by undertaking methodical study at individual level, usually under the guidance of spiritual preceptor. Although all the four main groups of scriptures(1l) are recommended for studies, the learning of the seven main metaphysical principles(12), namely, the soul, the matter, influx of karma, bondage, stoppage, gradual shedding and liberation should be undertaken with special scrutiny as this encompasses the fundamental tenets of Jainism. The perfect meaning of the above principles should also be well grasped so that the knowledge acquired can be put in day to day practice in the form of:
1. Elements to know (Gneya) 2. Elements to discard (Heya) 3. Elements to acquire (Upadeya)
By implementing this practice scrupulously, enlightened vision dawns, the three jewels are achieved and spiritual progress is enhanced.
For ascetics, the scriptural study is of paramount importance both qualitatively and quantitatively leading to the state of perfect enlightenment (omniscience) 13,14), Kundakundacarya, indicates in Gatha 232 of Pravacansara as follows:
श्रामण्य ज्यां ऐकाय, ने ऐकाय वस्तुनिश्चये। निश्चय बने आगम थकी, आगम प्रवर्तन मुख्य छ ।
Five main categories of scriptural studies have been enjoined in Tattvarthasutra IX / 25 as follows:
वाचनापृच्छनानुप्रेक्षाम्नायधमोपदेशाः॥
