Mokshamala

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 77

Q: What do they mainly urge?
A: Salvage the soul; manifest its infinite capabilities, free it from infinite misery in the form of Karma.
Q: What are the means suggested by them for that purpose?
A: From practical point of view one should know the nature of true godliness, true religion and true Guru; he should admire the attributes of true godliness, should observe three-fold religion and should learn from a disentangled Guru.
Q: What is the three-fold religion?
A: It is in the form of right knowledge, right perception and right conduct.
Lesson 105: Questions and answers, Part 4
Q: Since Jain philosophy is topmost, how come everyone does not believe in it?
A: They fail to do so because of the impact of intense Karma, thickly deposited crust of wrong perception, and absence of right contact.
Q: What is the code of conduct for Jain monastic order?
A: It consists of five major restraints, tenfold religious norms, seventeen types of controls, ten modes of servicing, nine-fenced celibacy, twelve types of austerities and overcoming of four defiling instincts of anger, arrogance etc. Moreover it stipulates resorting to right knowledge, perception and conduct.
Q: Hindu monks observe five Yäms (Regulations) similar to those of Jain monks and Buddhist monks observe five similar Sheels (Conducts). In that case are those Hindu and Buddhist monks not at par with Jain monks?
A: No.
Q: Why not?
A: Their five Yäms and Sheels are defective; the criteria of major restraints of Jainism are very minute, those of others are gross.
Q: Can you illustrate the minuteness of Jain restraints?
A: It is obvious. Holders of five Yäms take root vegetables etc. They use comfortable beds; they make use of various vehicles; they use cold water. They also take food at night; they do not realize the destruction of innumerable minute beings, breach of celibacy etc. involved therein. Buddhist monks take meat and other non-eatable articles, and avail comfortable means. Jain monks stay away from that.
Lesson 106: Questions and answers, Part 5
Q: Are Jainism and Vedänt at odds in any respect?