Jain Digest 2015 06

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 14

JAIN DIGEST
To address this, the second category of religion Aagaar Dharma was brought into main stream. Since Shravaks or householders have not renounced their homes or professions, and are therefore unable to give up violence completely, they, according to their individual capacities, can practice Anuvrat or small vows that are more relaxed than the great vows. Some examples of small vows are abstinence from gross violence, falsehood, stealing, sexuality, and possessiveness. These vows are not only intelligible but are simple, logical and practical for all people. Implementing these vows in our everyday life, we can move forward on the path of spirituality, self-purification, and liberation.
Synonyms of Shravak
A Shravak is someone who listens to the preaching of ascetics, accepts vows, and practices spiritual austerities. He sits near the monks and nuns and learns about religion. Therefore, he is also called Shramanopasak or Upasak. When he observes Anuvrat or small vows, or accepts any single vow, he is called an Anuvrati. Since he lives in a house with his worldly possessions, he is also called Saagaari, Aagaari, Grihasth, or Grihi. From the point of view of Gunasthaan (stages of purification) he is understood to be in the fifth stage - Pancham GunasthaniDeshvirati.
Identity of Shravak
In his last book Shravak Sambodh, Acharya Tulsi talks about the foundation of Shravak identity. According to the book, the spiritual journey of a Shravak begins with True Faith. A Shravak believes in the eternal existence of soul. He trusts that karmic bondage causes the cycle of birth and death, believes in pre and re-birth concepts. He has deep faith in the Omniscient (Tirthankars) and their preaching, and follows the path of the Right Guru. He observes non-violence physically, mentally, and verbally, and follows truth, self-restraint,
and austerities to purify his soul. He sets moksha as his supreme goal and to achieve it, he practices Anuvrat and auxiliary vows in his day to day life.
Responsibility of Shravak
The primary responsibility of a Shravak is to maintain spiritual values in order to uplift the self and contribute towards creating a positive and healthy
to
society.
prospers in
or seeker of
"When life follows a proper direction, it all directions." One can become a real Shravak the self, by practicing vows in everyday life, by imparting spiritual knowledge to others, by rendering services to ascetics, by working to glorify the congregation, by inspiring others to follow spirituality, by taking care of the needy in the community, by appreciating works rendered for social and religious welfare, by respecting
14I MAY-JUN 2015