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Jaina Ethics
weapons, fire, rope, swords and other articles for destruction of life. 12 iv) papōpadesa (sinful advice) like instruction in evil trade. It is also mentioned that sometimes such advice, like giving instructions to the farmer to plough when the rains are on, cannot be avoided when a question of being helpful is involved, but it should never be given out of mere garrulity. 13 v) duhśruti (bad reading); it consists in reading kamas astra, sex and spicy literature including yellow journalism and listening to the faults of others. It is the study of works that disturbs and spoils the minds with harmful thoughts, worldly attachments, perverse attitude and excitement of passions14
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The Sravaka has to practise four sikṣavṛatas: i) Samayika, ii) Desavakasika, iii) Prōsadhōpavasa, and iv) Atithi-samvibhāga. Samayika is one of the important practices for the layman; and it is one of the six avasyakas (necessities) for the layman and also for the ascetic for whom it has to be practised lifelong. It consists in the attainment of equanimity and tranquility of mind.15 It is a process of becoming one (ekatva-gamana), of fusion of body and mind and speech with the Atman.18 Samayika may be performed in one's own house or in a temple, in the presence of Guru or in a specially built hall according to the needs of the time and individual. sometimes a distinction is made between the ordinary laymen, affluent men, and men of official status. Special procedure for Samayika is laid down with the intention of increasing the prestige of the Jaina community by emphasising the fact that he has adhered to the sacred doctrine.17 In performing the Samayika one should observe the five Samitis and three Guptis and avoid all harmful speech. He should recite pratyakhyāna avoiding harmful actions and pratikṛamaṇa expressing remorse for past deeds and pray (alōcan) that whatever acts in speech, mind and body made by him in the past may be atoned for. It is to seek forgiveness for what has been done so far. During the period of samayika the layman becomes like an ascetic. 18 Samantabhadra shows that a layman performing samayika is like an ascetic draped in clothes, 19 although this likeness is only apparent like the description of a woman as candramukhi.20 Samayika has to be performed at regular intervals of the day. The object of this practice is to gain mental equanimity surcharged with righteousness. Deśavakasikavṛata is a
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