________________
Chapter - 7
Samayasāra
Penances, again, can be motivated or unmotivated. They are unmotivated when (i) the purpose or result of the penance is not known or (ii) if the purpose is other than self-realization or (iii) if it is involuntary. The separation of karma resulting from such penances is considered purposeless—akāma nirjarā. Its opposite or purposeful sakāma nirjarā is the result of motivated and voluntary penances undertaken for purifying the soul. The means of motivated penances for achieving sakāma nirjară are called Tapas-austerities. They are of two categories, external and internal. Each of these is, again, of six different kinds. They are:
External austerities-discipline of the body:
(i) Fasting or abstaining from the intake of food, drink and other alimentary substances for a fixed period of time or unto death (anaśana).
(ii) Alimentary or dietary discipline by limiting the variety and/or quantity of nourishment (avamodarya or unodarikā).
(iii) Limiting/restricting quality of nourishment by eliminating tasty items (vṛtti-parisamkhyāna or vṛttisamkṣepa).
(iv) Abstaining from fatty and sweet items and delicacies (rasa-parityāga).
(v) Secluded sleeping place and lonely living (viviktasayyāsana), also self-control of senses, activities and passions (pratisamlīnatā).
(vi) Deliberate training of the body by subjecting it to various hardships and practice of difficult postures (kāyakleśa).
Internal austerities-discipline of the mind:
(i) Atonement or striving for the rectification of the transgression in the spiritual discipline by the lure of worldliness (prāyaścitta).
(ii) Humility and reverence towards elders, teachers, and the like. It includes observance of proper etiquette in the presence of superiors (vinaya).
(iii) Personal attendance and other kinds of service consisting in the exertion for and relief to sick and weak (vaiyāvṛtya).
Jain Education International
0-156-0
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
