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Jaina Philosophy and Religion
2. Guru-upāsti (Venerating and Serving the Elders) Guru means an elder. The following verse from Acārya Haribhadra's Yogabindu informs us as to who are to be regarded as guru. mātā pitā kalācārya eteșām jñātayas tathā / vyddha dharmopadestāro guruvargah satām matah //10//
In the class of gurus Acārya Haribhadra includes mother, father, teachers of art and sciences, family elders, those advanced in learning and good conduct, and saints who preach religion.
Venerating and serving them is guru-upāsti. By our reverence and service we should win their hearts and secure from them the knowledge and culture that ennoble our life. Mother and father are the foremost gurus. Scriptures command us to worship them first (mātā-pitroś ca pujakaḥ).?
3. Svādhyāya (Study of the Spiritually Elevating Works) The term “svādhyāya' is the compound of two members, viz., 'sva' and 'adhyāya'. So, it means study of one's own self, that is, one's own life. Reading, listening to and reflecting on the life-elevating teachings are useful in keeping the mind healthy. They inspire man to peep into the innermost recesses of the self. As a result of it, man's journey on the path of progress and enlightenment becomes easy. Svādhyāya is a form of austerity. By including it in the species of austerity of high order, the Jaina religion has lent glory to austerity; not only that but it has nicely and convincingly demonstrated the universality of austerity and direct experienceability of its fruits. 4. Samyama (Restraint and Discipline) Samyama means control over sense-organs, control over mind, control over speech and thoughts, control over desire-anger-greed. How greatly
1. tad viddhi pranipātena paripraśnena sevayā /
upadeksyanti te jñānam jñāninas tattvadarsinaḥ //34//—Bhagavad-Gītā IV Acquire knowledge by humble reverence, by inquiry and by service. The men of
wisdom who have seen the truth will instruct you in knowledge. 2. mätydevo bhava / pitydevo bhava /-Taittiriya Upanişad 3. svādhyāyān na pramaditavyam Taittirīya Upanisad 4. trividham narakasyedam dvāram nāśanam ātmanah /
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayam tyajet //-Bhagavad-Gītā XVI.21
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