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Acquisition of knowledge is thus a function of overcoming the impact of Karma. Purushärtha lies in trying to overcome the same. It has two aspects, external and internal. Trying to gain Matijnän and Shrutjnän by developing and exercising physical and mental abilities is external Purushärtha. Trying to gain spiritual development by achieving Nirjarä is internal Purushärtha. Avadhijnän, Manahparyäyjnän and Kevaljnän emerge by such Purushärtha. Every one should therefore devote the maximum possible energy for undertaking internal Purushärtha.
External Purushärtha consists of appropriately selecting the school and subjects of study, undergoing the study at the right time, maintaining regular attendance, patiently attending to and absorbing what is being taught, carefully following the instructions, doing the required home work, taking proper care of the books and other means of study, holding the teachers in reverence, observing the discipline etc. Undertaking research, remaining in touch with the latest developments, taking refresher courses, participation in seminars and workshops for the purpose of intensive study constitute a higher type of Purushärtha.
It should be understood that every one cannot have the same capacity to absorb what is being taught. The outcome is therefore bound to be different. But if one is keen to gain knowledge, has trust in himself, pursues the goal with diligence and has access to capable teachers and Guides, he can surely gain what he might be seeking. In other words, his knowledge obscuring Karma would give way in the face of his Purushärtha.
Jain tradition is particularly concerned with acquiring knowledge. For that purpose it lays down the following stipulations: 1) Undertaking study at the proper time, 2) Reverence for teachers and proper care for the means of gaining knowledge, 3) Esteem for the learned, 4) Observance of required austerities for getting properly equipped, 5) Utmost loyalty to the preceptors, 6) Accurate study of Sutras, 7) Understanding their meanings and 8) Grasping the underlying sense and purpose. It would be noted that all the earlier mentioned aspects of Purushärtha are covered in these stipulations. If they are properly observed, that can lead to eradication of the knowledge obscuring Karma and thereby to manifestation of enlightenment.
On the other hand, factors contrary to the said stipulations like ignoring the proper time for study, negligence for the means of learning, careless or casual reading of Sutras, disrespect for teachers, not properly maintaining the books etc. would result in knowledge obscuring Karma. Such factors are therefore termed as transgressions of the code of knowledge and need to be scrupulously avoided.
Chapter 2
DARSHANÄCHÄR The Code Of Gaining Right Perception
Nissankia Nikkankhia Nivvitigichchhä Amoodhditthia
