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This nirjara is achieved mainly by tapas.' 'As a large tank, when its supply of water has been stopped, gradually dries up by the consumption of water and by evaporation, so also the karmas of a monk which he has acquired in crores of births are annihilated by austerities, if there is no influx of bad karmas.'2 'He who practises penance is able to keep his vows, acquire knowledge of scriptures, and become capable of holding the axle of the chariot of meditation. 3
Definition of Tapas in Jainism
Tapas is variously defined by Jain acharyas. According to Acharya Malayagiri, that which burns eight types of karma is tapas. Karma is often compared to dry wood or straw in Jainism, and hence this derivative meaning is quite apt. Jinadasagani Mahatma also gives a similar derivative meaning but adds sin (papa) with karma. However, Acharya Abhayadevsuri extends the meaning to include emaciation and drying up of the body as well.? Another acharya has given an entirely different definition : 'Control of one's desires is tapas.'' According to Acharya Sonabhadra, restraint of senses and the mind is tapas. Summarizing these various views, Pandit Sukhlalji says :
1. HT F T 71 - Tattvartha Sutra-Umasvali with commentary by Pt.
Sukhlalji Sanghvi, Eng. trans. by K.K. Dixit (Ahmedabad : LD Institute of Indology, 1974), 9.3. 'Uttaradhyayana Sutra,' Sacred Books of the East Series: Jaina Texts. Motilal Banarsidass, New Delhi; 30.5-6. Dravya Sangraha by Nemichandra, with Brahmadeva's commentary. The Sacred Books of Jains, Vol. I. The Central Jaina Publishing House, Arrah,
India, 1917, verse 57, p. 122. 4. arrafa 32 tifafa 09:/
Avashyaka, 2, 1; quoted by Swami Sri Mishrilalji Maharaj, in Jain Dharma Me Tapa (Hindi). Sri Marudharakesari Sahitya Prakashana Samiti,
Jodhpur, 1972, p. 32. 5. 'Uttaradhyayana Sutra,' op.cit., 22.44. 6. qera T 976 4 ffa ayti
Nisitha Curni Ninadasagani Mahattara, Agra, 1957, 46. 7. रस-रुधिर-मांस-मेदाऽस्थि-मञ्जा-शुक्रग्यनेन तप्यन्ते कर्माणि वाऽशुभानि इति।
Sthananga Vritti, 5, quoted by Muni Sri Mishrilal, op.cit., p. 33. 8. ESHTET: 19:/ – Muni Sri Mishrilal, op.cit., p. 34. 9. Puha fat41419 Ti 14:1
1, 22 quoted by Muni Sri Mishrilal, op.cit., p. 35.
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