Saman suttam

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

Page 25

(xxi) waffected by it. He does nothing, even if he is carrying on his
siness and occupations. The house-holder gradually relies on the religion of the monk and his mind ascends progressively the different steps of knowledge, detachment and meditation; the mind rises higher and higher till all its inclinations become prooted; the sun of knowledge begins to illumine with all his rightness; the mind rises and falls with the tides in the ocean of Cliss. So long as he is associated with the body, he remains in the state of an Arhat or a liberated being though embodied, continues to move about giving his message of welfare to the world; and when he is freed from his body or his life comes to an end, he attains the status of a Siddha, only to become absorbed in the ocean of bliss.
The third part deals with Tattva-darśana or faith in principles; in it are contained the expositions on the seven principles like soul, non-soul etc. or the nine fundamental principles including merit and demerit. After giving an account of the six substances like soul, matter-atom, there is an exposition of the theory of creation of the universe by the combination and division of these substances, as also its eternity and endlessness.
The fourth part deals with Syädvåda (or the Doctrine of Seven Predications). Besides, there is a brief account of Anekanta. This is the fundamental principle of Jaina logic. This section contains a heart-captivating, si'mple and brief account of deep and serious topics like pramā na, naya, niksepa and saptabhangł. Finally the book ends with a prayer to Mahavira.
It can be said that the four parts or the 756 verses contain an all-sided and brief account of the Jairia religion, an exposition of its principles and ethical code of conduct. The Jaina literature is vast and there are many books available on each of the subjects. Surely, it is ncessary that one should make a comprehensive study of those book:s for a deep understanding of the subjects. This is a representativia book acceptable to all for the purpose of having a general acquiaintance with the doctrines of the Jaina religion, its code of ethics and the process of