Spiritual Discipline and Practices in Jainism

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

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and philosophy of philosophies in the eyes of Anekantavada. It believes that proper religious observances prepare a man to possess a non-sectarian attitude towards religious disciplines and practices culminating in spiritual enlightenment or achieving consciousness of ultimate reality. It is also of the opinion that a noble social conduct of self restraint and highmindedness, benevolence and compassion, sympathy and tolerance is a moral instrument for building a just society. There is no difficulty at all to develop gradually the religious disciplines in every day life, though the ultimate reality is immanent.
As a matter of fact, spirituality cannot and should not be limited to the absolute or direct spiritual experience of mystics. It considers in its ambit the humanism and humanitarianism also with metaphysical, religious, philosophical and moral consciousness. Moral values may not be a constitutive part of the religious life but at best it may be certainly instrumental in securing the realization of ultimate truth.
Notes
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AND PRACTICES IN JAINISM
1. Ethics has been defined as "the stydy of what is right or good in conduct" - Mackenzie, John S. A. Manual of Ethics, London, 1929, p. 2. Pravacanasara, 1.7. 3. Ayaro, 4.32 Curni 4. Mokkhapahud, 4; Kartikeyanupreksa, 192; Ratnakaranda Sravakacara 3. 5. Tattvarthasutra, 1.1 6. Uttaradhyayana, 28-30. 7. Tattvartharajavartika, 1.4748. 8. Rayanasara, 4; Dhavala, Vol. 1,1.1.4; Niyamasara, 5 9. Tattvarthasutra, 1.3 10. Upasakadhyayana, 49-50; Astasati-Astasahasri, p. 236. 11. Tittvarthasutra, 7.23, Ratnakaranda Sravakacara, 21 12. Dravyasangraha Tika, 41. 13. Sarvarthasiddhi, p. 1 14. Tattvathasutra, 7.19-20 15. See the author's book "Jaina Darsana aura Sanskriti ka Itihasa, p. 255 fn. 1 16. Sagaradharmamrta, 1.15 17. Sraddhaguna vivarana, pp. 7; Jaina Yoga, pp. 257 18. Sagaradharmamrta, 1.11
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