Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 65

The subtle content of Dwädashängi (Twelve original scriptures) is antecedent to the knowledge of nine fundamentals; it relates to the said fundamentals in a variety of ways. As such, it is worth believing that one, who knows the nine fundamentals in their infinite modes, must be omniscient and omni percipient. Those fundamentals need to be studied in three respects of Heya (To be given up), Jneya (To be known) and Upädeya (To be adopted). This three-fold approach is an inherent part of nine fundamentals.
Question: What is the purpose of knowing what needs to be given up? Why would we ask for the road to a village, where we do not intend to go?
Answer: It is easy to give reply to that question. It is necessary to know what needs to be given up. The omniscient Lords remain aware of all types of scams too. The main purpose of knowing the same is that if we are not aware of what is to be given up, we may inadvertently go in for the same. While going to a destined place it is necessary to know about the intermediary places too; otherwise we may fail to reach the destination. We inquire about the intermediary villages, but do not stay there; similarly it is necessary to know about the sinfulness etc. but should not adopt the same. They need to be avoided as we avoid the intermediary places on our way.
Lesson 84: Jain Fundamentals, Part 3
Those, who listen, ponder over and contemplate over the nine fundamentals under the guidance of a Guru, are very fortunate and need to be complimented. I humbly urge every sensible person to learn those nine fundamentals to the extent of his intelligence.
There are too many divisions and different opinions within the Order of Lord Mahävir. The principal reason is the loss of people's interest in spiritual philosophy. They remained inclined towards rituality only, and the result is obvious. The population of our globe is estimated at 1.5 billions (The figure relates to 1884, when this was written). Out of that, Jains of all the denominations account for only 2 millions; they subscribe to the religion of detached Lords. I think, there could not be more than two thousands, who might have committed the text of nine fundamentals to memory, while those who understand and contemplate over the same could hardly be enough to be counted on fingertips.
While the situation about the philosophical knowledge is thus deplorable, the differences have gone up. Such differences normally do not arise among the knowledgeable persons. Our proverb therefore says, *Hundred wise are of the same opinion.'
I appeal to all the monks to augment the knowledge of those fundamentals with discernment under the guidance of a Guru. Thereby their five major restraints would be on sounder footing; they will get a glimpse of unique pleasure derived from the ambrosial words of omniscient Lords, it will be easier for them to observe the monastic code. The right perception will arise by virtue of purity of knowledge and rituals, and that will lead to termination of the worldly cycle.
Lesson 85: Jain Fundamentals, Part 4
Those monks and laymen, who do not know the text of NavTattva, should learn the same. After learning they should contemplate over it at length and try to know the deeper significance thereof under the guidance of a Guru. That would illuminate self-realization and help in better observance of vows and restraints.