Jainism the Creed for All Times

Author(s): D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 59

Three Hallmarks –
The ultimate aim of any endeavour of any living being is to gain pleasure. Pleasure could be either physical that feels good to the body and senses or it can be spiritual in which case it is called bliss. It is a matter of common experience that what is auspicious is blissful and what is inauspicious is painful. Dharma, which is sublime, ought to be auspicious. The Jaina seers have said that Dharma is the foremost auspiciousness. However, they have specified that only that Dharma is auspicious, which is characterised by Non-violence, Restraint and Penance and they have stated that even the heavenly gods bow to them that have their minds always firmly established in such a faith. The very first verse of famous Jaina scripture ‘Daśavaikālika-sūtra reads
"Dhammo mangalamukkittham, Ahimsā Sañjamo Tavo | Deva vi tami namamisanti, jassa Dhamme sayā mano ||” Non-Violence (Ahimisa) -
Non-violence is the first and the foremost tenet of Jainism. Every Jaina proclaims that it is every follower's foremost duty to practice non-violence (Ahinisā paramo dharmaḥ). This concept is so central to Jainism and it is it's so important a hallmark that I have devoted entire third chapter of this book to it.
Restraint -
The second hallmark of Jainism is self-restraint or Samyama. Samyama means control. Hence restraint is nothing but proper self-control. The Jaina thought places great emphasis on Samyama (Vinaya), so much so that the faith is said to be rooted in Vinaya (Vinaya mūlao dhammo). Restraint is an exact opposite of lack of restraint, which is nothing but recklessness dealt with in the last section on non-violence. As recklessness arises from negligence, restraint is an outcome of vigilance. In more specific terms restraint is control on one's body, mind and speech as well as on passions - anger, pride, guile and greed. It is not difficult
JAINISM: AN INTRODUCTION: 31