Book Title: Jains Today in World
Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Page 180
________________ Their Laymen and Laywomen : 139 path of spiritual progress. Their content is somewhat different according to the obedience. In general, they concern meditation, veneration, self-discipline, charity, study of sacred books and practice of various forms of austerities. Jain householders have six religious duties to perform every day: meditation (sāmāyika), praising of the twenty-four Tīrthankara (caturvimšati Jinastuti), respect to spiritual teachers and ascetics (vandană), confession and repentance of faults (pratikramana), meditation (kāyotsarga) and renunciation (pratyākhyāna), for example: to the body by the “kāyotsarga" posture for 48 minutes, to thoughts, words or actions that cause the inflow of “karma” into the soul, to some food, drink and comfort, etc. For the Digambara and Svetāmbara, the daily religious duties of the laity are roughly the same. The different branches give more importance to some components. For example, a laity can, upon waking, recite the “Great Mantra”, repent faults of the night, do immediate penance or wait until later, do the anointment (abhiseka) of the Jina in saying appropriate “mantra", meditate or read parts of a sacred book if the obedience does not worship statues. If the laity is part of an obedience that worships in temples and if one of them exists near, he (she) may go and proceed to the view (darśana) of the Jina image and perform a type of “pājā" among the numerous that exist. When meeting an Acārya or ascetics (monks or nuns) on the way or at the temple, the adept must greet them with respect. In India, if an ascetic comes and asks for food or special care, the adept will have to provide. Likewise, if an ascetic asks a shelter to stay, the pious laity will give it. If possible, a Jain householder should also give donation (dāna) for religious or charitable activities. If the laity is a member of Sthanakavāsi branch, he must go to the "sthānaka" to pray, read sacred books or listen to sermons on religious matters. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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