Spiritual Code and Restraints

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 58

concerned Sutras. The main objective of performing Sämäyik is to attain equanimity. Formalities are laid for providing the prerequisites of physical cleanliness, pious environment, regard for preceptor, utmost care for not hurting even the minute beings, concentration and sense of detachment for the worldly involvement. In Digambar tradition this is done by simply by reciting Navkärmantra, while facing, with folded hands, the four directions one after another.
A question may arise why Sämäyik is to be performed for 48 minutes instead of 45 or 50 minutes, for instance. In ancient times, the time was measured in terms of Ghadies of 24 minutes. A day was thus divided into 60 Ghadies instead of 24 hours. The duration of Samayik was laid as of 2 Ghadies, which is equivalent to 48 minutes.
TERMINATION OF SÄMÄYIKA
After observing Sämäyik for 48 minutes, one would either undertake another Sämäyik or he would terminate it. For another Sämäyik he need not go through any termination formality. He should however once again undergo the entire formality for starting Sämäyik. If he wants to terminate it, he should undergo the following formalities.
As earlier, he should kneel at the preceptor or his seat with Khamäsaman Sutra. Then he should go ahead with the Iriyavahiyam Käusagga as before and repeat the entire formalities up to turning of Muhapatti. Then he should seek permission of the preceptor for terminating the Sämäyik. Then laying down his right palm as a symbol of having satisfactorily performed the Sämäyik, he should recite the Sämäiya Vayajutto Sutra.
Then he recalls 32 ways a Sämäyik could be faulted and repents for indulging in any of the lapses. 10 of them are mental lapses, 10 verbal ones and 12 physical ones. Though somewhat differently described among Murtipujak and Sthänakavasi traditions, they are more or less identical. Following are the principal lapses or faults to be avoided.
Indiscretion, desiring wealth, status or progeny, arrogance, disrespect, anger; fright, hurried or faulty reciting of Sutras, uttering foul, harmful or exciting words, singing or telling attachment oriented songs and stories, picking up disputes, scratching, idling, seating leisurely or resorting to unnecessary support, glancing here and there, going to sleep, mentally or physically getting involved in worldly activities, etc.
In the end he recites Navkärmantra while keeping the open right hand palm in front of his face. This is symbolic of withdrawing the attributes that were supposed to have been attributed in the preceptor's seat.
It would be interesting to note that monks and nuns do not perform Sämäyik. They do not do so, because at the time of renouncement, they take the vow to lead spiritual life. They are thus supposed to stay in Sämäyik forever. In fact, Sämäyik is the essence of monastic life. It is therefore stated in the Sämäiya Vayajutto Sutra that when a layman performs Sämäyik, he becomes like a monk for that much time.