Sambodhi 2004 Vol 27

Author(s): J B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 59

Vol. XXVII, 2004
THE VICTORS AND THE VANQUISHED
53
Levels Of Passionate Behaviour -
These passions, o great passions for that matter, operate at four levels and affect a person's mind in increasing order of passionare behaviour. These four levels are as follows :
1. Transient Passions (Sañjvalana Kaşāya) - At this level a person does get affected by various forms of one or more passions but only for a very short period of time. The religious lore cites the example of a line drawn on the surface of water that disappears sooner than it is drawn. Soon he realises the incorrectness of his passionate behaviour and not only overcomes it but also atones for it by lamenting his behaviour under their influence by repenting and making good the harm suffered by the others due to such behaviour. For example, he begs others' pardon for the hurt he might have caused them by his angered behaviour. Practically, the measure of passions at this level is that if a defaulting person realises and atones for his passionate behaviour by the time of the fortnightly retractory session (Pāksika Pratikramana), he is said to be under the influence of 'Transient Passions.' His is a simple case of passionate behaviour.
2. Persistent Passions That Hinder Complete Renunciation (Pratyākhyānavarana Kasāya) - Passions of this category are more persitent and last longer. The person under their influence does not realise his wrong and carries on for quite some time. However, later, he realises and atones for his passionate behaviour. The example cited is that of a line drawn on sand that remains there for some time till the sand is blown away by wind. Practically, if the defaulter realises and atones for his wrong by the time of the seasonal (four-monthly) retractory session (Cāturmāsik Pratikramana), he is said to be under the influence of this category of passions. Such a person is able to practice partial renunciation of the householders' conduct but is not inclined towards the monastic conduct of total renunciation. His is a complex case of passionate behaviour.
3. More Persistent Passions That Hinder Even Part Renunciation (Apratyākhyāni Kaşāya) — At this level, the passions, persist for a much longer duration and the person under their influence takes almost a year to realise his
ke amends. The holy texts cite the example of a line drawn on clay that lasts for quite some time till it is deliberately obliterated or till the earth is washed away by the rain-water. Practically, if a person realises the wrong in his passionate behaviour and atones for them even by the time of yearly retractory session (Sāṁvatsarik Pratikramaņa), he is said to be under the influence of this category of passions. Such a person is not inclined towards the practice of even the partial