Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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observing the rules prescribed and then fulfils the responsibilities for the welfare of the family, ascetics, society, nation and mankind. Some of the important attributes of a householder may be mentioned as follows:- observation of non- violence, legitimate earning, hospitality, refraining from unnecessary criticism of Government, keeping good accompany,paying respect to parents, service of people, following religious preachings, gratefulness, generocity, being afraid of sin, honesty, appreciating conduct, life and activities of spiritually advanced people, avoiding expenditures exceeding income and so on. Such rules make life pleasent (Dharmabinduprakarana, Sagaradnarmamrta,i.ii). These altributes consider the ecology an indispensable part of spirituality and life as well. The spiritual status of a Householder is decided on his performence as follows:1. Pakshika Sravaka
This is the first spiritual status of a Jaina laity in which he first takes a vow with right faith not to eat meat, not to drink alcohol or wine and not to relish horey or any of the five kinds of figs containing souls. These are called Mulagunas. Then he desists from injury, falsehood, stealing, unchastity, and attachment to wealth. The Paksika Sravaka also takes a vow not to indulge in seven types of obnoxious habits (Vyasanas) which make the life disastrous. They are gambling and betting, meateating, alchohelic drink, prostitution, hunting, stealing, and sexual intercourse with another's wife or husband. He is also expected not to be indulged in violence-carrying professions. The licit earning sources are agriculture, study and teaching, and art profession, of course, but the pursuit of a profession should be positively in a pure way. Along with these practices he should also practice some more activities called Avasyakas namely i) worship of the Tirthankaras, ii) Service to spiritual teacher iii) studying Spriptual texts every day, iv) practicing some form of self restraint every day, v) doing some form of penance daily, and vi) doing some kind of charitable actas. This is an introduction to spiritual discipline of an ordinary householder. These
ervations create communal harmony and peace in society
25. Padmanandipancavimsatika, 6.7. 26. Ratankaranda kasrvakacara, 25.
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