Pristine Jainism

Author(s): S M Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 71

(68) : Pristine Jainism
or practice is known as Samyak i.e. complete undisturbed control on thoughts, speech and posture for the specified period. This does not mean that there will not be any control or discipline during rest of time. Rigorous effort or practice for specified periods (Samyak) is to strengthen the resolve for disciplined life style all the time.
Emotional Discipline:
The entire gamut of emotions has been grouped under two main categories i.e. attachment or infatuation (Rāga) and aversion or envy (Dveṣa). The emotions have been further subdivided into four main types i.e. anger (Krodha), vanity (Māna), hypocrisy (Māyā) and greed (Lobha). Each of these four types of emotions have been further classified according to their intensity and degree into four classes (degrees) i.e.(1) Extremely severe (Anantānubandhî) which is like a line carved on stone and is very difficult to eradicate, (2) severe (Apratyākhyāna) like a line of chalk on slate which can be controlled with adequate effort, (3) Mild (Pratyākhyāna) which is like a line drawn on sandy surface and is of transient nature of low intensity and not lasting long; (4) Very mild (Sañjvalana) which is like a line drawn on water surface and is therefore momentary and of very low intensity lasting for a very short time. A follower of Jainism should not succumb to very severe (Anantānubandhi) intensity of emotions and should constantly try to ameliorate and control the intensity of emotions to lower and lower degree with the ultimate objective of reaching Arhat stage which is immune from all sorts of emotions and is perfectly serene state. There are nine other forms of emotions viz., joking or ridiculing (Parihāsa), too much sensitivity (Rati), too much insensitivity (Arati), sorrow (Śoka), fear (Bhaya), hate (Glāni) and indulgence in three sexes (male, female and eunuch). Thus there are 4x4 = 16+9-25 types of emotions which should be controlled and ultimately got rid off to achieve perfect state.
It is common experience that uncontrolled wild emotions are cause of various problems and conflicts and corresponding grief to self and others according to degree and intensity of emotions. Anger leads to