Spiritual Discipline and Practices in Jainism

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

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means the obstruction of influx of karmic matter which is of two types, viz. bhavasamvara psychic stoppage or cessation of activities and dravyasamvara (material stoppage). The Nirjara connotes the separation of part of karmic matter from the soul. Stoppage and gradual dissociation are the chief causes of liberation. Pujyapada defines the moksa (liberation) as the attainment of an altogether different state of the soul, on the removal of all the impurities of karmic matter and the body, characteritized by the inherent qualities of the soul such as knowledge and bliss free from pain and suffering."
The Samvara and nirjara tattva will be discussed in brief. With the sole intention of achieving the purified state of soul. Jainism prescribes some fundamental spiritual disciplines and practices. They can be observed partially and totally. Partial observation is prescribed for a householder as he is unable to desist from all sins completely whereas an ascetic is expected to observe the code of conduct totally as he practically does not stay at home. An ascetic is he who observes vows completely and is free from sting, the main root of pain and emotional arising from karmas. Sting is of three kinds, viz. deceit termed as maya, ii) desire for enjoyment termed as nidana, and iii) perverse attitude termed as mithyadarsana. The practice of these vows with vigilance dispels sufferings just as an excellent specific herb removes disease. 1. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE AND PRACTICES FOR HOUSEHOLDERS
A vast literature over Sravakacara has been written in Sanskrit and Prakrit by Jainacaryas. It is also available in the Agamas. Here some of important Acaryas with their main works have been mentioned :
Acaryas
Granthas 1. Kundakunda (Ist century) -Caritrapahuda (Gathas-235-231)
Rayanasara 2. Svami Kartikeya (2nd century) - Kattgeyannvekkha
(Dharmabhavana) 3. Umasvati (2nd century) or - Tattvarthasutra (7th Chapter) Umasvamin 4. Samantabhadra (4th century) - Ratnakarandasravakacara
Spiritual Discipline And Practices In Jainism
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