Jain Journal 1969 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 57

100
JAIN JOURNAL
the following course for practical conduct (vyavahāra caritra) to be
pursued. 40
1. The five vows ( vratas) :
(a) non-injury (ahimsā) (b) truth (satya) (c) non-stealing (acaurya) (d) chastity (brahmacarya) (e) possessionlessness (aparigraha)
2. The five precautions (samitis): (a) in walking (iriyā)
(b) in speaking (bhāṣā) (c) in seeking food (eşaņā) (d) in lifting up and laying down
anything (ādāna-nik sepana) (e) in excreting (pratisthāpana)
3. The three controls (guptis):
(a) of mind (mānasa) (b) of body (kāyika) (c) of speech (vācika)
The course of practical conduct as shown above is, however, not a goal in itself, but is meant to restore the real conduct of the soul. To be spiritually equanimous is the final goal. Hence the Jaina is the supporter of developing the personality in all directions equally. Mere self-absorption by way of constant mental concentration and meditation without having control over the physical activities and linguistic vibrations is not the right way of salvation, since practically the whole organism has been admitted as a soul embodied physically. In the same way to practise a rigorous control of physique and speech without meditation and self-absorption is a hollow gymnastic. Kundakunda supports the Jaina view by saying : "What is the good of residence in a forest, mortification of the body, observance of various fasts, study of scriptures and keeping silence, etc., to a saint who is devoid of equanimity (samatā).”:41 Thus balancing both the sides he preaches : "He, who by observing selfcontrol, vows and austerities, realizes his self through righteous concentration (dharma-dyhāna) and pure concentration (sukla-dhyāna) is said to have supreme equanimity."42 It is because of this that a Jaina saint does not give secondary importance to any aspect of right conductreal or practical; though his aim stands firm on the realization of the
40 Nsr., ch. IV. 41 c.f. Ibid., 124 ; also see Ssr., 273. 42 c.f. Nsr., 123.