________________
Jaina Acara : Siddhānta aura Svarūpa
229 trees, he should not say that their wood can be used for houses, in agriculture and the like. Noticing their luxuriant growth he is not enticed. If insects were to be seen on his body or his implements he removes them cautiously and never does away with them. He must not watch the copulation of a dog, cow, passionately proud of a bullock, horse, elephant, etc. If he finds many animals gathered together for fodder he should not go beside them lest they should be frightened. Looking at birds, beasts and men he should not say that this one is fat or that one deserves to be killed and feasted upon, or good for cultivation, good for carrying loads or for being yoked to a chariot. Earth, water, fire, air and vegetation-bodies, two, three, four and five-sensed beings: these nine kinds, are worldly creatures. Mentally, physically and by speech they must not even be hurt, not to talk of their being killed. Thus 27mental, 27 physical and 27 of speech total to 81. Monks and nuns keep filter for mouth and at night keep a broom beside them lest some insects should be killed unawares.
Contemplation helps very much in moulding he character of a. person. It may be auspicious or inauspicious. As a mother does everything to improve her child by precept and practice, also the contemplations of non-violence are of great help in fixing the mind aright. Impressions received and imprinted on the mind go a long way in character- formation.
We shall now take five contemplations of non-violence one by one :
(1) Iryāsamiti—It does not mean only coming and going but also sitting, standing, lying, sleeping etc. A monk is careful in every activity of his and the activity also should be for spiritual gain. He cannot think of killing even small insects, not to talk of scorpions and serpents. While walking, all attention should be focussed on walking. He avoids pits and uneven ground littered with stones etc.,
(2) Manahsamiti—It is to prevent the entry of evil thoughts into the mind. Just as a door-keeper does not let anybody and everybody enter the house, so also a monk thinks of nothing but what is spiritually elevating. The tendency of the mind is to stray, That is why its needs must be steadied.
(3) Vacanāsamiti-It is to exercise control over what one speaks. A wound may be healed, but the effect of harsh words is lasting. It smarts every now and then. Harsh words are like smallpox which is infectious. If you speak harshly, others do not take it lightly and react even more abusively. Even when smallpox is cured, it leaves scars behind to disfigun the face. To say 'I am sorry' is not enough. Malice and ill-will are not erasei easily. Harsh words hurt both the speaker and the listener.
(4) Esanāsamiti-It is to accept faultless food but a monk must nc desire any very special diet, since desire leads to attachment from which
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
