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Rishibhashit A Study
Coming to his preachings in Rishibhashit, 167 he has first of all prohibited the four Kashayas (passions). He who indulges in these, wanders (in cycles of birth) in this world. And who does not indulge in these, is without anger, vanity, illusion, and greed, three vices in three media (mind, speech, and body), ego, four Vikathas, and with five Samitis (attitudes), isolated from five senses. He accepts food, bed, and seat that are totally pure, without the faults of their origin, obtained from various sources, made by others, without heat and smoke, without any implement but cured by implements, specifically and only for survival and development. After that, is stated the discussion on problem of activities for self and others and the directions for purification of soul. His view is that only a seeker of soul can become an instrument of welfare in true sense. How can he indulge in welfare of all, who cannot even control his own passions and lust. Without development of soul even the welfare becomes cause of bondage. Because only a pure soul imparts peace to self and others.
In this chapter five senses, ambitions, medias of expression, ego and twenty two types of pain, have been mentioned as thieves; because these commit theft of the wealth of inner peace. As such the mendicant has been advised to be alert always.
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The uniqueness of this chapter is that here only the terminology of traditional Jain conduct has been used. As such a natural doubt arises that if the ideas propagated belong to Uddalak or the compiler, put forward in the name of Uddalak. In absence of any evidence, for or against, nothing conclusive can be derived on this issue. Still the possibility that the ideas have been accepted according to the then prevailing Jain beliefs can not be ignored.
36. NARAYAN (TARAYAN)
The thirty sixth chapter of Rishibhashit is about the discourse of Tarayan (Narayan) Rishi. In Jain literature, besides Rishibhashit, Narayan Rishi has been mentioned in Sutrakritang268 and Sutrakritang-churni.269 In Rishibhashit a prefix 'Vitta', has been added to his name; what it indicates is not clear. Sutrakritang 'and Rishibhashit both indicate that he was an outsider for Jain tradition, but due regards were being given to him.
The central theme of the preachings of Narayan Rishi is the irrepressable nature of anger.270 It has been stated that fire can be quenched by water but the fire of anger is difficult to quench. Fire destroys only this life but anger destroys many future reincarnations. Man
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