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Actually, they can be called monasticism preparatory vows. The four 'Educational vows' are as follows: ---
9.
Observing Periods Of Equanimity (Sāmāyik Vrat) In this practice the householders are required to set aside periods of a muhurta (48 minutes) each and to change into prayer rig and sit down on the specified mat or rug and devote the time to scriptural study or pious contemplation. This practice is called Sāmāyik and is practised at two levels 1. Practical level (Vyavahāra Sāmāyik) in which all the external arrangements are as mentioned and one is physically sitting in the contemplative posture and 2. Volitional level (Niścaya Sāmāyik) in which one establishes oneself in a volitional state of equanimity and contemplates only about the self. No external paraphernalia are necessary for achieving this state and it depends purely on the volitional state of the practitioner.
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According to Viseṣāvaśyaka Bhasya, the practical Sāmāyik is of four types -
a. Śrut-Sāmāyik - Observing periods of equanimity devoted to scriptural studies,
b. Samyaktva-Sāmāyik- The state of equanimity gained through the attainment of right-vision by dispelling falsehood: the fourth stage of spiritual progress,
c. Deśavirat-Sāmāyik- The state of equanimity attained through partial renunciation: the fifth stage of spiritual progress, and
d. Sarvavirat-Sāmāyik- The state of equanimity attained by the renunciation of all worldly relations and material adjuncts in the sixth and higher stages of spiritual advancement
It is evident that the state of equanimity starts with the attainment of right perspective and becomes
262 JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
