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The Prakrit word 'samana' has been used to describe a Jain ascetic. This word lends itself to three Sankrit terms:
1. Shramana - one who is self reliant
2. Shamana - one who has quelled desire
3. Samana - one who is equanimous towards friend and foe
Only the monk who follows all the vows as per his ascetic tradition, is self-reliant, has quelled desire and has attained equanimity may be considered as the true preceptor.
It is important to realise that even the most exalted and experienced preceptor cannot be anything more than a guide to his pupils. He can only show the way. The pupil shall have to make the efforts. The preceptor can only show him the way. He cannot walk with him.
The true preceptor cannot suck the poison of passions from his pupil's souls. Only the pupils can free themselves from passions. The pupils have to understand the path, have faith in it and purify their soul through their own efforts. Only then will they be able to attain liberation.
Dharma (Religion)
For one who has attained samyaktva, dharma is the third pillar of the liberation triumvirate. Dharma has been explained in the "Yogashastra' as under:
"Durgatiprapatapraanidhaaranaaddharma uchyate.
Samyamaadidarshavidhah sarvajnokto vimuktaye"
~Yogashastra, Verse 2.11 (Page 22, Author: Aachaarya Hemacandra, Publisher: Mahaveer Jain Vidhyalaya, (Govaliatank rd) Mumbai, year 1949)
Dharma has its name because it rescues humans from durgati (rebirth as subhumans, hellish beings}. The omniscient ones have explained that dharma consists of tenfold virtues and leads to liberation.
The religion propagated by the Jinaas is the only true dharma worthy of praise, adoration and worship. One who knows everything is known as omniscient (omni = everything, scient = knower}. One who is supremely detached is known as viitaraaga. The supremely detached ones never lie.
"Yiitaraagaa hi sarvajnaa mithyaa Na bruvate kvachit.
Yasmaattasmaad vachasteshaam tathyam bhuutaarthadarshakam."
~Samyagdharshana; (Page 266, Author: Ashokmuni, Publisher: Diwaakarjyoti Karyaalaya, Byaawar (Rajasthan), year 1981)
One who is viitaraaga (supremely detached) and sarvagna (omniscient) shall never lie. Hence, their words always reflect the truth.
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