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A Study in the Origins and Development of Jainism
In order to further his spiritual advancement provision of four sikşāvratas is made. They are - 1. Sāmāyika : This vow is observed by the householder to create in himself an attitude of equanimity and to get rid of sinful acts. In it he is required to retire to a peaceful place for sometime inorder to contemplate and meditate on holy things. 2. Posadhopavāsa: In the observance of this vow the householder is required to keep fast on the 8th and 14th day of every fortnight and pass these days studying scriptures and keeping himself busy with religious activities.
3. Bhogopabhogaparimāņa: In this vow the lay man is required to set a measure of food, drink and other comforts both in quantity and quality. 4. Atithi-Sambibhāga : In it he is required to serve monks and holymen who turn up at his residence with food, medicines and other things according to their wants.
In all, these are the twelve vows which a householder is required to observe. The whole course of right conduct is arranged in eleven stages which are called eleven pratimas. In this arrangement limitations of individuals and successive development have been kept in mind. In the last stage of this course, the layman is fully prepared to take up the career of a monk.
Discipline of Monk
Amonk at time of initiation takes the five vows as stated above. He has to observe those vows in right earnest with all strictness. Since no concessions are granted in their observance they are called mahāvratas. Moksha is not possible without sumura and nirjarā. For it, not only the process of karma-bondage is to be stopped but the
