Spiritual Discipline and Practices in Jainism

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

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Sadharanavanaspatis are also prohibited to accpet as food which include mulabija, agmabija, parvabija, kandabija, bijaruha etc.31 Nemicandra listed 32 kinds of such vegetables in this respect.*
The Jaina Sravaka is also expected not to indulge in violence-carrying professions, such as angarakarma, vana-sakatabhataka sphota-danta - laksa- rasa kesa-visa-yanta-noirlancanadevagni-sarahsosana-asatiposana karmas. Originally such trades were prohibited under the Anarthadanda categories, but Hemacandra and Asadhara made them more clear. The licit earning sources are asi, masi, krsi, vanijya, vidya and silpa, ofcourse, but a profession should be pursued in a pure way. 34 One point is remarkable here that restraint from injury etc. refers to restraint from injuring one' ownself. This extremity leads him to a pious life. Along with the observation of the Astamulagunas a Jaina householder must practise the six more activities for spiritual progress, which are called Avasyakas, They are as follows:
1. Worship of the Tirthankaras : This attribute has given rise to the contribution of huge Jaina images and temples all over India. It has developed an independent branch of art and architecture, painting etc. There is no priest system working as an intermediary in Jainism. The worship of the Tirthankaras sometimes assumes an unusual proportion with their Pancakalyanakas, vidhanas, visits to holy places and other religious ceremonies. This is called Jinapuja.
2. Serivce of spiritual teacher accordingly with obedience, reverence, food etc. (Guruseva) : The teacher preaches the laymen and laymen pay respects and service to teachers. They also keep themselves on guard against the conduct of each other. Therefore the relation between these two religious groups has never been lop-sided and fearful.
3. Studying scriptural texts every day (svadhyaya). Scriptural texts contain the sermons which save the people from decadence.
4. Practising some form of self restraint every day (samyama). 5. Doing some form of penance and austerity every day (tapa), and 6. Doing some kind of charitable act (dana)."
Amitagati mentions somewhat different list of Avasyakas, viz. Samayika, stavana, vandana, pratikramana, pratyakhayana, and kayotsarga. The Svetambara sect also accepts these Avasyakas. Caityavandan, is, ofcourse, very popular amongt them which comprises
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