Jainism and Mahavira

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

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and in the nation. 2. Naisthika Sravaka (Allegiant layman)
One who fulfils his religious duties with constant vigilence is a Naisthika Sravaka. In order to prepare himself for the ascetic life the householder goes further to observe the eleven spiritual stages (Pratimas). They are;- i) Darasana Pratima;- it requires true and unshakable faith in Jainism with firm conviction in the reality of seven fundamental principles of Jainism and devotion to Pancaparameshthis. After a long practice he becomes Samyagdristi. He should also not be proud of knowledge, worship family, caste, wealth, practices, and beauty26. He will ponder daily over twelve points of meditation to realize selt or deep-reflection vadasanupreksas as follows;- transitoriness, helplessness, transmigration, loneliness, distinctness, impurity, influx, stoppage, dissociation, universe, rarity of enlightenment and the truth. These reflections help the spiritual aspirants to practice ten moral virtues, such as forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and celibacy. The realization of self through these attributes generates tranquillity, disenchantment with the materialistic world, prosperity, supreme perfection, and final beutitude.2) Vrata Pratima (the stage of observing vows);- In order to prepare himself for the ascetic life the householder goes ahead to observe the twelve vows for obtaining inner purity of the self. Firm conviction with right understanding in the reality of fundamental principles of Jainism generates benevolence towards all living beings (Maitri), joy at the sight of virtuous (Pramoda), compassion and sympathy for afflicted (Karuna), and tolerence towards the insolent and ill-behaved (Madhyasthya). He who conducts himself in this manner is able to practise non-violence, truth, not stealing, refraining from all illicit sexual activities and non-possession to perfection. Non-violence is the fundamental principle of Jainism. Here violence means severance of vitalities out of passion. Negligence is the main cause of violence. Even violence in the thought in view of Jainism is a cause of injury. It is said that when a monk goes on foot with carefulness sometimes small insects get crushed under his feet and die. Still there is not the slightest bondage of sin in his cause. From the spiritual standpoint, infatuation is called attachment.
27. Purusarthasiddhyupaya, 79-81.
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