Spiritual Discipline and Practices in Jainism

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain
Publisher: Z_Vijyanandsuri_Swargarohan_Shatabdi_Granth_012023.pdf

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upanaya, ii) avalamba, iii) adiksa, iv) gudha, v) haisthika,. Vanaprastha is the Ksullaka and elaka stages in the view of Medhavin. The bhiksu carries four stages, viz. anagara, yati, muni and rsi.
6. They are classified into two categories, viz. samanya and visisa by Haribhadra. 21
7. On the basis of spirituality they are classified into three categories, viz. i) jaghanya or grhin - Ist to 6th pratimas, ii) madhyama or varnin - 7th to 9th pratimas, and iii) utkrsta or bhiksuka - 10th and 11th pratimas.
The classification, as a matter of fact, was changed from time to time, according to the circumastances. But the fact is remarkable that no classification has violated the original principles of Jainism. On the contrary, the national integration and interreligious dialogue were kept in mind while classifying the householders.
Of these classifications the fourth classification appears to be more useful and important and therefore it is adopted here in the discussion. It speaks of Paksika, Naisthika and Sadhaka. A house-holder, as a matter of fact, has to observe more responsibilities. First he prepares himself gradually and steadily to renounce the world with right faith by observing the rules prescribed and then fulfil the responsibilities for welfare of the family, ascetics, society, nation and mankind. Some of the important attributes of a householder may be mentioned as follows:- observation of non-violence, legitimate earning, hospitality, refraining from unnecessarily criticising the Government, keeping good company, paying respects to parents, service of people, following religious preachings, gratefulness, generority rosity, being afraid of sins, honesty, appreciating conduct, life and activities of spiritually advanced people, avoiding expenditure exceeding income and so on. Such rules make life pleasant. 1. PAKSIKA SRAVAKA
This is the first spiritual status of a Jaina laity in which he first takes a vow with right faith not to eat meat, not to drink alcohal or wine, not to relish honey or any of the five kinds of figs containing souls, viz. i.) vata or nyagrodha, ii) pippala or asvattha, iii) udumbara, iv) plaksa, and v) kakombari. These plants contain anantakaya jivas. These are called Mulagunas. Then he desists from injury, (himsa), falsehood (asatya), stealing (caurya), unchastity (kusila) and attachment to wealth (parigraha).
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