Jainism

Author(s): Herbert Warren
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 90

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JAINISM
shipping the ideal by any of the above four methods, strengthens the belief and convictions regarding that ideal.
(2) The second thing that a person exercising the middle degree of partial self-control would do every day, would be to render homage to the teacher (guru).
(3) He would study philosophy every day.
(4) He would practise some form of self-control every day.
(5) He would practise some form of austerity every day, both physical and internal. Controlling hunger would be a physical one; also assuming a posture in concentration, would be a physical one. Concentration would be an internal one.
Austerities are not the line of least resistance.
(6) And he would do some kind of charity every day; but not in the sense where the giver is superior to the receiver; both are equal. If there is any idea of superiority, it encourages or feeds pride. Pride obscures knowledge; it is like a plate in front of the eyes obstructing the view.
TWELVE SPECIAL RULES OF CONDUCT
The twelve special rules, which were referred to as one of the things done by a person practising a moderate degree of self-control, are the following:
It is the means of becoming what we are potentially, that is, the present subject in hand; these special rules are one of these means. We are an injurious being, we are to become a non-injurious being. These rules help
to that end.