Book Title: Jain Heritage and Beyond
Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

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Page 105
________________ 100 conveys profound meaning in very few words, while the mere words in other languages carry heavy value and weight. One of the major benefits of an aphorism is that more we reflect on it we will be more enlightened. It seems to me that all the vows or vratas mentioned in different Dharmas (Religions) can easily be accommodated in this simple and auspicious definition of Dharma. Every living being is very much. anxious to categorise which is the most precious thing in the world and the answer to this can only be Perfect Dharma. Perfect means in all aspects and have all characteristics. Such Dharma makes impossible for down fall of all the living beings and at the same time elevates them to unexpected height as well as enlightened their lives. Perfect Dharma is not an ordinary or a lay category subject matter, it is most auspicious and quite something extra ordinary subject matter. It is beyond the comparison with others. However it may be said that as Parasmani turns iron into Gold when it touches iron, the perfect Dharma has capability to change an entire outlook of all the living beings and make them heavenly gods provided living beings understand and perform the Perfect Dharma, Even heavenly gods pay their tribute to such living being who resorts to such Dharma. Now, how to examine any Dharma? It is extremely necessary to examine any Dharma before embracing any of them. As Tirthankar Mahavira said to his disciples once "Don't embrace the Dharma that I said to you, that I taught you, but try to examine it yourselves, put on tests and if you find it suitable for your purest and enlightened lives then only accept it with full self-confidence." Such were the words of Tirthankar Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jaina Tradition. Similarly great critical commentator, Shree Siddhasen Diwaker alias Kumudchandra, who constructed "Kalyanmandir Stotra" also said "Do not follow any faith, religion, paths etc. in several of his Batrishis, without applying your mind. He had added to his statement that Dharma which is preached and professed by some who does not possess Samyak Gyan, Darshan and Charitra will himself be drowned and carry us with him too." The great saint or Monk of this era, after Tirthankar Mahavira emanicipated, Kalikal Sarvgnya Shri Hemchandrachrya also professed in one of his creation, that "Drashti Raag is nothing but a terrible poison. A poison will kill you once but Drashti Raag will kill you for infinite births and will not allow you to gain "Samyak Gyan, Darshan and Charitra." Drashti Raag means have attachments with particular Beliefs, Thinking, Faiths, Conduct and Dharma or Religion. All they have said to avoid that is not suitable to you, for purification of soul, they also said "Don't follow your GURU, too blindly. He or She may put you in troubled waters, who knows?" Now then how to test and what are the criteria assigned to Dharma? Hence we should; First observe what importance is attached to Ahimsa (non-violence). If violence is either implied or hidden and solicited directly or indirectly then it is unworthy to accept it. Because offering creatures and animals for sacrifices, to please gods and goddesses are one or the other styles of the Himsa and not Ahimsa. Therefore we should always be on our guard to embrace such Dharma. Secondly, when a Dharma presented before us we must check it how far it will provide us selfrestraints. If all kinds of luxurious facilities available, entertainments of various kinds are offered and sensual pleasures in different forms are present then be assured that that Dharma is not ideal, beneficial and meant for us. And last but not the least, we are supposed to check to embrace any Dharma, how about its austerities? If suitable penance practices for annihilation of Karmas are not offered we should avoid such Dharma. Because our principal ambition is to obtain supreme Bliss and eternal Peace and in this article to identify Perfect Dharma. 108

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