Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 19

(2) PANCHINDIYA SUTRA
We are now commencing the Sutras, which are useful in performing Sämäyik. Since the presence of a Guru plays vital role in properly performing it, this Sutra lays down the attributes of Guru. Much importance has been given to the concept of Guru in Indian tradition. Guru means one who guides and instructs. Every one who teaches is therefore considered a Guru and is respected as such. In ancient times Gurus were the heads of their monastery-schools. Every child had to go to such school and stay there till the study was over. Gurus used to teach the various arts and crafts without charging anything. For their maintenance as well as for the requirements of the monasteries, they depended upon the society. As such they were held in high esteem. Even after leaving the schools, the students used to maintain regard for their Gurus and retained lifelong reverence for them. They looked to the Gurus for guidance, as and when required.
Conditions have of course radically changed since then. In the spiritual realm, however, there are still monks and nuns who give up everything and stay totally possessionless. They remain exclusively devoted to the spiritual pursuit and do not get involved in worldly affairs. They study scriptures and other spiritual literature and help others in studying the same. They preach and give religious sermons for orienting the laymen towards the spiritual life. They stay dedicated to the realization of soul and for that purpose exercise rigorous self control. Since they have no interest aside from the well being of every one, they happen to be the ideal Gurus.
In Jain tradition there are mainly three classes of monks. The foremost are called Achäryas who are the heads of their order. They are required to study all the scriptures and gain mastery over the same. They can therefore guide and lead the people towards the path of liberation. As stated in the last Sutra, they are imbibed with 36 attributes, which have been defined in this Panchindiya Sutra.
Panchindiya Samvarano Tah Navaviha Bambhacher Guttidharo; Chauviha Kasäymukko, Ea Atthäras Gunehim Sanjutto. (1)
Meanings: Panch=five, Indiya= sense organs, Samvaran=restraining, Tah=and, Navaviha= nine types, Bambhacher-celibacy, Gutti=stipulations, Dharo=holder, Chauviha=four types, Kasäy=defilements, Mukkor free from, Ea=these, Atthäras-eighteen, Gunehim-attributes, Sanjutto-equipped with.
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