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AN INTERPRETATION OF JAIN ETHICS 27 that the Sravaka performs the action of serving and feasting the atithi," i.e. the begging Sadhu, after finishing certain austerities, and under certain formalities: 7: It cap also be observed with reference to the Samayika Charllra of ascetics, for which a Sadhu is not counted fit, unless the process of “Lunchana," i.e., plucking out of the hair of his head, has been performed, nor is he counted a full ascetic afterwards, unless he allows this process to be repeated at least twice every year, or, at a higher age, once a year. Another example is the Kayotsarga austerity, which is, at present, necessarily connected with the Kayotsarga posture.
Still, there is an extra chapter, in which all such prescriptions are summarized from the formal, i.e. ritualistic, stand-point. It is called the chapter of the Avasyakas, i.e. necessary ritualistic actions, which are to be performed daily, at least by asceties. The Avasyakas stand in closest correlationship with the ethical system. Therefore, and also on account of their fundamental importance for the whole life of the Jain, they shall be enumerated here.: ; : : :
The Six Avasyakas. 1. The first of the six Avasyakas is the Samayika, which th: Sadhú přáctises both fully and permañóntly by observing Sarva-Virati, and by thus living up to the standard of SamayikaCharitra. The layman performs "it either permanently, but partially, by observing Desa-Virati; or nearly fully, but only for a limited period, by performing the Samayika-Kriya described under the Samayika-Vrata.
-2. The second Avasyaka is the Chaturvimsati-Jina-Stava, i.e., the praise of the twenty-four Jinas of this period, who are the ethical ideals of all Jains. It has not the purpose of pleasing them, because nothing, neither praise not its contrary, would be able to change their equilibrium of mind, or to induce them to reciprocate ; but, by their praise, the devotee can purify his thoughts, and acquire firmness and faith in his striving aftör Moksha. With the idolater-sects, who have always been provailing in number, thô praise of the Jinas often
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
