Samayik And Chaityavandan Vidhi

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 42

Q.1 What is wrong if I observe Sämäyik for one hour instead of 48 minutes?
A. Apparently there is nothing wrong. But Sämäyik being the exercise in equanimity, it necessitates the concentration. The seers have repeatedly emphasized that one cannot maintain such concentration for more than two Ghadies at a time. They have also stated that if one can maintain it longer than that, he can maintain it forever. In other words, he would attain the everlasting enlightenment. If you therefore think that you can perform it for more than 48 minutes, good luck to you.
Q.2 Why have I to undergo formalities afresh for undertaking another Sämäyik?
A. As stated above the concentration would not last for more than 48 minutes. Fresh formality is therefore required as a prerequisite for achieving the concentration again.
Q3 Why do we need Muhapatti? What is the purpose in turning it over three times?
A. Muhapatti is supposed to be held against the mouth or is tied to the mouth. The basic intention is to restrict talking, because vocal activity involves violence to the minute gaseous beings. But monks and nuns even deliver sermons with the Muhapatti on. That way, Muhapatti might divert the direction of the vocal onslaught but it does not change its impact. Tying the Muhapatti under such situations can satisfy the sentiments of tradition bound people. But it hardly serves the real purpose. This does not mean that monks and nuns should not give religious sermons. The sermons are surely useful; but it would not make much difference, if they are delivered without tying Muhapatti to the mouth.
The purpose of turning over Muhapatti three times is to carefully examine it and protect the lives of insects that might have crept in. In practice however, people simply turn it mechanically. In order to avoid such mechanical turning, the aspirants are required to mentally recite, at that time, 50 phrases indicating 'do's and don'ts. But very few people are aware of those phrases and fewer still recall them while turning Muhapatti. As such, hardly any purpose is actually served by merely turning over.
Q. 4 Of the six essentials, monks are seen performing five of them but they do not seem to be performing Sämäyik. Why are they not required to perform it?
A. Your observation is right. That however does not mean that monks and nuns do not perform Sämäyik. At the time of their renouncement, they take the vow to lead spiritual life and to stay in Sämäyik for life. Thus, monks and nuns are supposed to stay forever in Sämäyik. In fact, Sämäyik is the essence of monkhood. Therefore it is stated in Samaiya Vayajutto Sutra that when a layman observes Sämäyik, he becomes as good as a monk.
Q. 5 What should exactly be done during Sämäyik?