Sambodhi 2014 Vol 37

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 68

The Moral Codes of the Swaminarayanism and of the Jainism :
A Comparative Study
N. M. Kansara
Bhagavan Swaminarayan promulgated the Swaminarayan religion, and the Jain Tirthankatras established the Jainism. Both the religions ha own moral codes. A comparative study reveals a latent moral discipline underlying them. Although, the Swaminarayanism has the undying and wellestablished faith, is the belief that Shri Sahajananda Swami, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, is the Supreme God, the highest and ultimate reality. The Jainism regards the twenty-four Tirthankaras as the founders and supporters of their faith. We are not concerned here of the latter factions and branches of both, viz., the Kalupur branch, the Vadtal branch, the Bochasanavasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS), and so on of the former faith, and the Shvetambar, the Digambar and others of the latter one.
Bhagavan Swaminarayan has elaborately ordered his disciples, both the Sadhus and the householders in the Vedarasa to observe particular restrictions and codes of conduct in his instructions delivered to his followers in that unique instructive work. While drawing the attention to the importance of this letter, Maharaja writes : 'The thought that we write in this letter pertaining to the Brahma-Vidya, that thought is the secret essence of our heart, and it is also the essence of all the Upanishads.' (p.2). In this letter Maharaja nas clarified in great details about the Five Vows? (pancha-vartamana), and has ordered insistently for their firm implementation, and as its result shown the mastery of the Brahma-bhava, Which is the final stage of the liberation.
There remains the attachment to the five sense-objects in mind. The reason is that it has taken to the feeling of happiness in their enjoyment. But,