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THE JAINA GAZETTE
to display them, under certain conditions. Therefore, it is sin to injure any of its manifestations, in whatever state and condition it might be. It is sin, it creates bad Karma and suffering, and it detracts the soul from the path leading to Perfection. The higher the stage of development of the injured being is, (i.e. the closer it has approached the state of Perfection,) the heavier the sin of the injury committed is considered to be. The sin of hurting a plant is smaller than that of hurting a lizard, the sin of hurting a bullock is smaller than that of hurting a man, and the sin of hurting a criminal is relatively smaller than that of hurting a Sadhu. From this standpoint, it can be understood why Jainism forbids flesheating, and, on the other hand, objects little to the eating of vegetables.
The other great principle permeating the prescriptions of Samvara, is Self control. It is clear that only the calm, sober mind that does not allow himself to be subdued by the four Passions (the “ Kashayas"), viz. Anger, Pride, Illusion, and Covetousness, but masters them, that only such a mind can hope to master Karma too. Therefore, it is understood that the indulgence in intoxicating articles, which confounds the intellect, and awakens low passions, as well as overindulgence in sleep, or in any other thing whatsoever, whether it be joy or grief or attachment, is contrary to Jain Ethics. There should be soberness, measure, wakefulness in everything and in every action, even in austerities, which have to be performed exactly in the way and to the extension fixed before. Nothing is more contemptible to the striver after true perfection than drowsiness on one, and ecstasy on the other side.
Now it is time to consider the different prescriptions for Samvara themselves. They are as follows:
A. The Five Samitis. The five Samitis are prescriptions for the regulation of the movements of the body in accordance with the two principles, more particularly the principle of Non injury.
They are : Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
