Spiritual Awakening and other Essays

Author(s): Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 16

First, there are four characteristics, namely, (1) manifestation of auspicious qualities, (2) turning away from the causes which enhance worldly career, (3) expression of the non-skeptical attitude towards the self and lastly (4) manifestation of universal compassion. These are respectively called (1) Prasama, (2) Samvega, (3) Āstikya and (4) Anukampā.18 Somadeva observes that just as the virility of a man, which cannot be perceived with senses, can be ascertained from his fortitude in danger, or the execution of his designs, similarly, the existence of the jewel of right faith (spiritual awakening), although extremely subtle owing to its being the condition of the soul, may be inferred from the qualities of Praśama, Samvega, Anukampā and Āstikya.''
Secondly, there are three other characteristics which are also possessed by the spiritually awakened, namely, (1) censuring of one's own sins in one's own mind, (2) divulging one's own weakness of conduct before the Guru, (3) devotion to Arhantas. These are respectively called (1) Nindā , (2) Garhā, and (3) Bhakti.
Thirdly, the spiritually awakened is exceedingly scrupulous in not allowing the filth of pride to maculate the self, thus striking out the eight kinds of pride namely, pride of (1) learning, (2) honour, (3) family, (4) caste, (5) power, (6) opulence, (7) penance and (8) of body, from his mind and demeanour. 20
Samyagdarśana (spiritual awakening) as Forming the Spiritual Background of Jaina Ethics:
We have endeavored to explain the nature of Samyagdarśana (spiritual awakening). This naturally creates an impression of its momentousness for the path to
Spiritual Awakening (Samyagdarśana) and Other Essays