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righteousness of the activities of mind, body and speech. Ācārya Kundakunda also used the term Samahi (Samadhi), in the sense of Sāmāyika where it means a tensionless state of consciousness or a state of self-absorption.
In its general sense the word Sāmāyika means a particular religious practice through which one can attain equanimity of mind. It is an end as well as means in itself. As a means it is a practice for attaining equanimity while as an end it is the stale in which self is completely free from the flickering of alternative desires and wishes, excitements and emotional disorders. It is the state of self absorption or resting in one's own self. In Āvaśyaka-niryukti, it is mentioned that the Sāmāyika is nothing but one's own self in its pure form. Thus, from transcendental point of view, Sāmāyika means realisation of our own self in its real nature. It is the state in which one is completely free from attachment and aversion. In the same work ĀcāryaBhadrabāhu also mentions various synonyms of Sāmāyika. According to him equanimity, equality, righteousness, state of selfabsorption, purity, peace, welfare and happiness are the different names of Sāmāyika.
In Anuyogadvarsūtra, Āvaśyaka-niryukti and Kundakunda’s Niyamasāra, Sāmāyika is explained in various ways. It is said that one who by giving up the movement of uttering words, realised himself with non-attachment, is said to have supreme equanimity. He, who detached from all injurious or impious actions, observes three-fold control of body, mind and speech and restrains his senses, is said to have attained equanimity, One who behaves equally as one's own self towards all living beings mobile and immobile, is said to have equanimity. Further, it is said that one who observes self-control, vows and austerities, one in whom attachment and aversion do not cause any disturbance or tension and one who always refrains from
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