Spiritual Code and Restraints

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 13

the worldly life but are permitted to use vehicles and stay with their hosts. They seem to have been well received, at least, in America.
Code of conduct for laymen is known as Shrävakächär, which can be effectively practiced after the rise of right perception. Most of the stipulations of the monastic code are applicable to them to a modified extent. For instance, lay persons also should control their mind, speech and body to the extent possible. As house holders, they are of course required to undertake various worldly activities. While doing so, they should not lose sight of the right perception. If they happen to transgress the limits of Shrävakächär, they should atone for the same. Shrävak Pratikraman Sutra, which is popularly known as Vanditu, lays down the transgressions of right perception as under.
Sankä Kankha Vigichchhä, Pasansa Taha Santhavo Kulingisu Sammattassaiäre,
Padikkame Desiam Savvam
It means that if I have indulged during the day in any transgressions of Samyaktva like harboring doubts, expectations, wavering faith, adoration of wrong faith or close contact with wrong believers, I atone for the same.
The laymen, Shrävaks as they are called, should not do any injustice to others and should stay vigilant to avoid hurting any living being. They cannot remain possessionless, but they should lay voluntary limitations on their possessions. In place of the major restraints, they have to observe five minor ones called Anuvrats. Moreover, they should observe three auxiliary restraints and four disciplinary restraints. These restraints are discussed in the second part of this book.
Chapter 4
TAPÄCHÄR The Code Of Austerities
Bärasavihammi Vi Tave Sabbhintar-Bähire Kusal-Ditthe Agiläi Anäjivi Näyavvo So Taväyäro
Panchächär Sutra
External and internal austerities laid down by the omniscient Lords are of twelve types; earnest observance thereof, without expecting any return, is known as the code of
austerities.
In the first three chapters we have discussed knowledge, perception and conduct. In this chapter we intend to consider austerity, which is popularly known as Tap. Jain tradition lays considerable emphasis on observance of Tap. Really speaking, Tap is a part of Chäritra. However, in view of its special importance in spiritual pursuit it is treated as a separate part of spiritual code and is termed as Tapächär. Let us now examine its significance in spiritual pursuit.