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Śrāvakācāra and Pañcācāra
H. Khushalchand
Introduction
It is important to understand the significance of ancient wisdom. Our ancestors did not have access to the technology that we have today, but they surely led a more peaceful and stress-free life. They were not connected to the vast world through media, Internet, Facebook, etc., but the inner connectivity was vibrant and they led a more meaningful and harmless life. They were guided by inner wisdom which enabled them to lead a compassionate lifestyle and not a destructive lifestyle. They were aware that all life is interconnected. The sound system of ethics grounded in sound metaphysics inspired them to be non-violent, contented, respectful and spiritual. They did not live in a state of illusion that material progress alone can make mankind happy. The spiritual aspect, which held a foremost place in the ancient world, is relegated to an insignificant position today. Hence the problem of improving human nature is no doubt the most baffling of all modern problems'. The Acaryas, Upadhyāyas and Siddhas follow the path of right living, self-realization, self-purification, self-conquer in order to be liberated like the Jinas and the dharma preached by them is that of non-violence, self-restraint and austerity. Dr. Vastupal Parekh remarks, "Right from its inception, since its revival in 600 BCE, by Lord Mahāvīra, Jainism has championed an all-inclusive spirituality. Development of human potential has no doubt been its main concern, but the welfare and happiness of all living forms have been equally important." He further says that, "Enabling human spirit to become free and blissful is Jain spirituality. The Jain spirituality blends an experience-based worldview of the universe as a reality, a rational cause and effect-based theory of karma, a soul based spirituality, a code of conduct that reveres all lifestyle that preserves our ecosystems, respects differing viewpoints and thus promotes personal and global peace.1
