________________
Jaina Acāra : Siddhanta aura Swarūpa
137 prosperous, (10) where the king is spiritually inclined, (11) where monks and Brahmanas are not disregarded, (12) where there is no difficulty in procuring alms and (13) where there is the proper place for self-study.
Such rules do not apply to monks of the twenty-two founders. The first six precepts of good conduct are not universally applicable, but the rest four are for all Jainas.
The earlier head-preceptors have said that these precepts are good for all like medicines prescribed by a third physician. Its observance is ever beneficial to all souls, pure or impure. Impurities are washed off leading to awakening of the soul. It removes ignorance. It takes one from darkness to light. It is to warn humans of the predicaments facing them in the world as also the way to be released from them. It is not bodily growth but spiritual enlightenment which has rightly been regarded as the summum bonum of human life.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
