Jain Journal 1988 07

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

Page 19

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JAIN JOURNAL
self (bahirātman), internal self (antarātman) and the transcendental self (paramātman).
B. Spiritual Disciplines and Practices for a Jaina Mendicant
Jaina scripture prescribes some code of conduct for a spiritual aspirant. It is called sammācāro (right conduct) which is formulated in consonance with the spiritual vigilance for a mendicant. He stays in temples or woods with total renunciation and proper conduct. He must observe fully all the twelve Vows prescribed to the householder. After observing the eleventh pratimā he accepts initiation from the teacher and becomes mendicant pulling out the hair from his own hands. He is now required to arrest the karmic matter by controlling passions, careful movement, observing vitrues, engaging himself in contemplation and conquering the sufferings by endurance and conduct. He follows in toto the twelve vows prescribed for layman. For curbing the threefold activity of body, speech and mind an ascetic takes every care in walking, speaking, eating, lifting and lying down and depositing waste products for avoiding injury to organisms. Besides, he observes in toto the ten virtues and meditates over the anuprekşās as already discussed in the context of disciplines for householders. He has also to endure twenty two types of afflictions (parişahas), viz. hunger, thirst, cold, heat, insectbites, nakedness, absence of pleasures, women, pain arising from roaming, discomfort of postures, uncomfortable couch, scolding, injury, begging, lack of gain, illness, pain inflicted by blades of grass, dirt reverence and honour (good as well as bad reception), conceit of learning, despair or uneasiness arising from ignorance and lack of faith. These afflictions are to be endured so as not to swerve from the path of stoppage of karmas and for the sake of dissociation from karmas.
Thus the ascetic observes the conduct by fulfilling five causes of stoppage, namely control, regulation, moral virtues, reflections and conquest of afflictions. The conduct is of five types viz. (a) contemplation over self and equanimity, (b) reinitiation after committing any violation of rules, (c) purity of conduct or refraining from injury, (d) conduct with slight passion, and (e) perfect conduct. This may be said as the five gradual stages of spiritual development in realizing and achieving the nature of the self. Self control over physical, mental and vocal activities and vigilance in conduct like moving, speaking, taking and keeping food and depositing excreta are the essentials for a Jaina monk. These essentials protect him from sin. He is also expected to he free from impure thoughts. impure talking and impure and violent