Saman suttam

Author(s): Jinendra Varni
Publisher: Sarva Seva Sangh Prakashan

Page 23

(xix) House-holder's conduct.
Fulfilment is always dependent upon the capacity of a devotee. It is for this reason that two divisions have been made in the Jaina path of conduct: House-holder's conduct and Monk's conduct. The rules of conduct prescribed for a householder are easier than those prescribed for a monk. Because he has not renounced his house-hold and remains occupied with his occupation, a house-holder always remains conscious of his conduct and his aim is to progress towards the ethical code prescribed for a monk. When the inherent capacity of the soul of a house-holder increases and when his power of restraint over the perturbations of attachment, hatred etc. and control of passions like anger etc. goes on increasing, he progresses gradually upwards step by step to march over the path of a monk. A house-holder reaches the state of a monk by observing the twelve vows without any transgressions and crossing the eleven stages (pratimas). Really speaking, the ethical rules of conduct prescribed for a house-holder form the foundation for and are complementary to the ethical rules prescribed for a monk. It is worthy of mention that the entire ethical discipline of Jainism is self-oriented, and a systematic and a gradually progressive prescription of ethical codes capable of leading upwards is available. Jainism does not merely preach morality or rules of conduct from the point of view of mutual relationship in life. There is no place for external rituals, popular beliefs, or false beliefs about gods and preceptors, as it is directed towards the achievement of spiritual strength. When observance of the small vows etc. gives an inspiration to a house-holder to become a spiritual-seeker, he discharges a unique role in the conduct of affairs of the society.
Introducing the Book.
"Samaņasuttam" is an orderly and brief compilation of the essential principles of the Jainas' religion and philosophy. There are four parts and forty-four sections in the book. There are 756 verses altogether.