Jain Journal 1988 07

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

Page 12

JULY, 1988
cognition through spiritual calmness, spiritual agitation, spiritual detachment, compassion and religiosity.
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Anger, pride, deceitfulness and greed are the passions which lead to endless worldly existences. Consequent on the fruition of karmas the soul wanders into different conditions of existence, creates passions, disbelieve in reality, non-cognition of substances, arising from ignorance, non-restraint and non-attainment of perfections. From destructioncum-subsidence soul attains mixed type of right and wrong belief, knowledge, perception, attainment, conduct and mixed disposition of restraint and non-restraint. When the karmas are completely destroyed, the perfect knowledge, perfect perception, fearlessness and infinite enjoyment are attained by the purified soul.
Spiritual Disciplines and Practices in Jainism:
With this introduction let us have a view of spiritual disciplines and practices as laid down in Jainism. With the sole intention to achieve the purified state of soul Jainism prescribes some fundamental disciplines and practices. They can be observed partially and totally. Partial observation is prescribed for a householder as he is unable to desist from all sins completely whereas an ascetic is expected to observe the code of conduct totally as he practically does not stay at home. An ascetic is he who observes vows completely and is free from sting, the main root of pain and emotional excitement arising from karmas. Sting is of three kinds, viz. (i) deceit termed as māyā, (ii) desire for enjoyment termed as nidāna, and (iii) perverse attitude termed as mithyādartana. The practice of these vows with vigilance dispels sufferings just as an excellent specific herb removes disease.
Spiritual Disciplines and Practices for a Householder:
Jaina thinkers have written a vast literature over the code of conduct for a householder and spiritual aspirant. A householder, as a matter of fact, has to observe more responsibilities. First he prepares himself gradually and steadily to renounce the world with right faith by observing the rules prescribed and then fulfils the responsibilities for welfare of the family, ascetics, society, nation and mankind. Some of the important attributes of a householder may be mentioned as follows: observation of non-violence, legitimate earning, hospitality, refraining from unnecessary criticising the Government, keeping good company, paying respects to parents, service to people, following religious preachings, gratefulness, generosity, being afraid of sins, honesty,