Jainism by Vividus

Author(s): Ramnik V Shah
Publisher: Ramnik V Shah Canada

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and misusing one's influence by committing wrongs or persuading others to do so,
or evils
Taking one further on the path of right conduct is a set of four other vows called "Shiksha vrata" (instructional vows) which take one directly into practices leading to external or internal austerities, They are: (1) Samayika i.e. contemplation on the basic principle of equality of all souls. Sitting or standing relaxed in a comfortable posture with spine erect and eyes between the eye-brows fixed on the tip of nose, in a quiet place not liable to occasional or casual disturbance or interference and with clothes as few as possible (be the place a temple, open space on a hill or banks of a river or a lake or in a forest or even in the solitary corner of one's home), mentally renouncing for the time being all attachment or aversion to worldly possessions and meditating upon the nature of self and the souls who have liberated themselves (Tithankaras, Siddhas and the like) if necessary by reciting or reading closely and attentively, immersed and attuned to the meaning and content of the composition. This can be done once, twice, or thrice every day, morning, noon and evening before retiring, and for a convenient duration of the period of time, normally not being more than 48 minutes. The practice is meant to afford one mental strength and peace. (2) Poshadhopavasa i.e. observing complete fasts every seven days, thereby abstaining from taking any kind of food or drink. Pure water, cool or made warm (after boiling) without mixing with any juice such as lemon or orange etc., or spice such as salt, sugar, clove etc., may be taken during the day only. These fasts may be observed even monthly or fortnightly or on alternate days for a limited period of time. One day one meal followed by a complete fast thus alternating for a limited period of time, similarly one day of normal meals followed by a day of fast increasing up to continous eight days' fast, straight eight days' fast, straight three days' fast etc. All are different kinds of fasting practices going under different names. These are meant to bring about a great physical discipline and a sense of control over desires
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