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XII
Ascetics' Conduct in the Jaina Literature
Brahmanic and ascetic traditions are very old in India. The former has accorded the greatest importance to the householder's stage of life, since it was his duty to support persons in the other three stages. The latter's emphasis has been on the ascetic life, because it opens the door to liberation. Researchers say that to begin with, there were only two stages of life, the first of a celibate dedicated to the consummation of his educational effort under the direction, and guidance of his preceptor while the second one was of the householder. When they came in contact with the ascetic tradition, two more stages were added : the stage of abandoning worldly things and that of asceticism. Still the emphasis was on the second stage of the householder. In the ascetic tradition there are no stages as such. If a householder could not take to asceticism, even though observing his twelve vows, he knew well that this was all he could do. But his ambition tended always to asceticism.
Indra, in disguise, prayed to the seer Nami (born in a Ksatriya family) saying, "First of all please perform a sacrifice. Feed the Brāhmans and ascetics, liberally donate money and other possessions of yours so as to take to the life of an ascetic." Nami replied, "Self-restraint is to be preferred to the giving away of ten lac cows every month."
The dress has to be changed to qualify for the order of ascetics for which leaving the house is, of course, a prerequisite. In case some man is pure from within, he will be emancipated even as a householder. Dress is not half as destructive as inner deformities. A congenial atmosphere is needed for spiritual aspirants so as to meditate undisturbed. All of them cannot be Sthulabhadra who could meditate wherever he happened to be.
Civilisations have declined because of seeking for carnal pleasures as also selfishness and never-ending conflicts. The ascetic tradition asks you to realise your self, to keep yourself separate from others' affairs, not to show yourselves off but to be able to look within to see yourself which is not your body. The path to liberation is not straight. It is not for all. It can become straight provided you are straightforward. Duplicity and hypocrisy cannot work here.
- Acārāriga' is the foremost amongst the basic canonical texts. Its language is that of Lord Mahāvirās time. Its style is lucid. Bhadrabāhu has
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