Traverses on Less Trodden Path of Indian Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Yajneshwar S Shastri
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 190

Code of conduct for monks...
181
separation of the soul from the body. This austerity is prescribed to exterminate attachment towards body to perform meditation. Unodarata. is taking limited, pure and suitable food without any greed. A monk should not take over diet. The observance of this austerity is to have control over the senses and sleep which hinder meditation. Vrttisamk se pa means predetermination of the monk regarding the number of houses to be visited for taking alms etc., and eating indifferently even tasteless food. This austerity uproots the attachment for food. Rasaparityāga is renouncing delicious and tasty food such as milk, curd, ghee, oil, sugar, salt etc. It reduces the sexual desires of the monk. Kaya klesa means putting the body to certain discomfort employing certain uneasy and stern postures and not to be disappointed by adverse climatic conditions. Samlinata is staying at a lonely place, not craving for house, or worldly comforts, engaging oneself in pure meditation. Internal austerity is also of six kinds 81 -- viz., Prayascitia, dhyāna, vaiyav?tiya, vinaya, kāyot. sarga and spādhyāya. Prāyaścitta is confession before teacher or Ācārya for the transgression committed by the sådhu, either by negligence or in adverse condition. Dhyana is concentration of mind on the Ātman or on certain principles. It is divided into auspicious and inauspicious kinds. Ārta and rudra dhyānas are ina uspicious, therefore, they are to be avoided. Dharma and śukla dhyānas are considered as auspicious. Amonk must practice auspicious dhyānas which are conducive to mokşa or final release. Vaivāvsttya is rendering disinterested service to the Acāryas, Gurus and aged and suffering monks It is to eradicate egoism in one's self. Vinaya means devoted attendance on those who are endowed with Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct. It also consists in control over senses by eradicating passions. Kāyotsugra means indifference to body, its caressing and needs. It is performing meditation with complete detachment to body. Svadhyāya is devoted study of Jaina Scriptures which sharpens the intellect, enriches the moral and spiritual efforts. and eradicates the passions.
Brahmacar ya is restraining oneself from all sorts of sexual pleasure and desires. This consists in the abandonment of sexual relations in every way. This should be observed mentally, vocally and physically. It is of eighteen kinds : refraiping from sexual pleasures with divine beings. mentally, vocally and physically, also causing or helping others to have sexual pleasures in three ways ( mentally, vocally and physically) and consepting to enjoy others mentally, vocally and physically. It also consists in restraining from nine types of sexual satisfaction with human or lower beings, 82 31. Ibid-176. 32. Ibid-177.