Jain Spirit 2005 06 No22

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 31

T
The aspirant for diksha nurtures the spirit of detachment by contemplating twelve reflections (anuprekshas or bhavanas). Having resolved for diksha, he requests the Acharya to initiate him into the order. He is also required to put forward his formal request before his family members and friends about his intention of taking up the life of a muni (monk). He must have a firm resolution to break off all past relations.
The foundational part of asceticism is more important. There are three steps in the ethical prescription for a Jain muni: 1. First, he gives up the enjoyment of the objects of the five senses or refuses them with disdain.
2. He removes the inner feelings of the attachment that lean towards sensuous enjoyment of things.
3. He realises that the avoidance of enjoying sensuous objects is a part of his nature and is not super-imposed on him or her by any outer entity. He does it consistently to maintain a pure attitude of mind with all sagacity.
The religious and ethical acts are to be backed by the best of motives. These motives are to be derived from all forms
of vows (vratas), austerities and activities prescribed by Jain seers. The entire conduct of a Jain muni is built on the bedrock of self-realisation imbued with the higher stages of non-violence and
detachment. The five great vows, the
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