________________
XXX
ESTABLISHED CODE OF CONDUCT
Samacari is what good, exalted people do. Although they look small, yet their observance is as necessary as that of fundamental laws. This is because it brings about a transformation in an ascetic's life,
Bhagavatī, Sthānäriga. Uttarādhyana, Avasyakaniryukti, Oghaniryukti, Pravacanasāroddhara and Samācariprakarana have all dealt with the practical aspect of the problem.
Ascetics conduct pertains either to vows or to its practical side. The first is to be observed lifelong but the second one is no less important.
The Digambara Vattikara has given four meanings of Samacari :(i) observance of equality (ii) right conduct, (iii) the basis of equality and (iv)
imilar bearing. Its correct observance is an object lesson in unifying the Order and ensuring hearty unity among all. We shall now take up its ten kinds one by one as explicated in Uttaradhyayana. (i) Avasyaki Ordinarily monks are expected to be in, but some day if
for some special reason one has to move out, it is necessary for him to pronounce the word Āvasyaki to let others know of his not being
inside. (ii) Naisedhiki-On his return he should utter this word to signify his
resumption of duty. Vattekara in Mulacāra has reversed the order. (üi) Aprchhā—The seniors' instruction must be carried out in good
faith. Seeking their permission means easy avoidance of undesirable acts and a more thorough knowledge of the desirable ones or of those about which the young ascetic had no knowledge. Pratiprchhā--To seek permission for oneself for the first time is Aprchhā but if asked for some one else, it is Pratiprchha. Āvašyakniryukti says that it is simply Aprchhā in either case. If the seniors asked some junior to desist from doing a thing, the latter's seeking permission for the same thing is Pratprchhā. Vadivetala Santisūri holds that permission is necessary for everything except exhalation and inhalation. It may be asked why permission should be necessary for a prohibited thing. It is because the senior ascetic may revise his order because of the changed situation and also because of his unfailing study of omens. Permission is very useful if
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
