Jain Journal 2002 04

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

Page 16

BRAHMESHANANDA: THE IDEAL OF SERVICE IN JAINISM
lokanatha, lokahitakara and lokapradīpa, all of which refer to their function as well-wishers and saviours of the world.
Although a Jain monks's primary duty is to perform his personal spiritual practices to attain mokṣa, there are certain social obligations which he must fulfil. He is responsible for keeping the moral fabric of the society intact by preaching and by setting an example through his own conduct. To enhance the glory of the Sangha, the monastic community to which he belongs, is his second important social duty. The ācārya and the gani are specially responsible for the protection of the Sangha. Monks must see to it that the faith of the devotees does not grow lukeworm. They must employ all justifiable means to increase the fervour of their followers. A monk must serve his fellow monks, paying special attention to the old and infirm. He must be careful not to cause inconvenience to any of his monastic brothers. An important function of the male monastic members is to protect the nuns from hostile and anti-social elements.
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Social Responsibilities of Jain Lay Devotees
The ten dharmas or duties described in the Thananga Sutra (10.760), one of the canonical texts of the Jains, include duty towards the village, town, nation, family, religious congregation, and the cult. Each of these social units has certain codes of conduct which a Jain must observe. It is his duty to contribute his share to the various sections of the society. An important responsibility of a Jain householder is to provide food, clothing, medicines and other basic amenities of life to monks and nuns. It goes without saying that he must maintain and serve his parents, wife, children, and other members of his family.
Dana or charity is one of the six essential duties of a Jain and forms one of the four limbs of dharma.1 Another word used for dāna is samvibhāga, which is one of the four preparatory vows (sikṣā-vrata) of a householder.2 The word 'samvibhāga' means right distribution and implies that what one possesses is the common property of all and others have a legitimate share in it. Giving is only sharing, and the giver and the receiver stand on the same footing. None is higher, none is lower.
1. 'Saptatiśatasthāna Prakaraṇa', 96; Trisaṣṭisalakāpuruṣa Carita' 1.1.1.52. Quoted in Acharya Puskarmuni, Jain Dharma Me Dana [Hindi] (Tarakaguru Jain Granthamala, 1977), 10.
2. Samana Suttam (Varanasi Sarva Seva Sangha, 1989), verse 324.