Jainism a Glimpse

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

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Five "Samitis" and Three "Guptis" :
A Jaina monk has to be very careful in his daily observance of five "Samitis" (Watchfulness) - Right behaviors of walking, speaking, soliciting for food, lifting & putting down things, and disposals. Three "Guptis" (restrains) - they should keep their mind, speech and body in control and in Right attitude (Samyaktva), equanimity. They observe silence most of the time & speak or move about only when necessary. They observe 12 kinds of mental reflections (Bhāvanā).
For transgressions, if any, they must do Pratikraman (self introspection) rituals, everyday morning and evening. For detailed introspection every 15 days and every 4 months, finally once a year, as a must.
"SANGHA" Communion :
A person born in a Jaina Family is "Jaina by birth only." Technically and spiritually he is not in the "Sangha" as ordained in scriptures. The Sangha (communion) consists of four (i) Sadhu(Holy Monks) (ii) Sādhavi (H. Nuns) who sincerely believe in "Bhava Nivērda"-to be free from the materialistic worldly wanderings of continuous births & deaths. "Samvēga" - ardent desire to attain "Mõksa - final liberation. To achieve the above they have accepted "Sarvavirati" complete renunciation - Monkhood (The 6th and 7th stage of spiritual development) and (iii) ŚrāvakaLayman & (iv) Śrāvikā - Laywoman who takes twelve minor vows (partial self discipline) and worthy conduct (5th stage) and aim to reach the 6th & 7th stage (Renunciation).
Persons of lower stage should be a "Samakiti" (The 4th stage) who has "Right/true Faith in True Deity, True
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