________________
O
O
O
One should not develop attachment to one's relations.
One should not have laxity in self-discipline; and should cultivate indifference to the sensual objects and the passions. One should not be proud of his caste (social position), should not feel depressed on account of his low caste, and should appreciate the unimportance of wealth and fortune. One should not indulge in sensual enjoyments.
Only for the maintenance of disciplined life, one should depend on the householders (strictly according to the rules). One should always avoid the sense of 'mine'-ness in all activities.
All these are concerned with the principle of non-possessiveness. In this chapter, there are significant aphorisms concerned with the subject of possessiveness:
"Only he who forswears the instinct of acquisitiveness is competent to renounce his possessions.'
118
"Austerity, or the curbing of passions, or self-control is not seen in an acquisitive person.'
19
"He should abstain from acquisitiveness."
The compound word 'logavipassi in this chapter draws our special attention. By this compound the process of Vipasyanā meditation is indicated. By the word 'āyatacakkhu' (a person of 'wide-open-eyes') the process of perception without blinking or what is called traṭaka is indicated.11
//10
The essence of ascetic life of Lord Mahavira is freedom from nonvigilance. On this topic a penetrating proposition is available here:
Lord Mahavira said: "An aspirant should be vigilant against incontinence."'12
Jain Education International
"A wise man has nothing more to do with infatuation."
Lord Mahavira was a great propounder of self-exertion and selfindependence. This is why special importance has been attached to the 'seer' or the 'perceiver' in the doctrine of the Lord. Thus the Lord has said: 'You should perceive instead of only pondering."11
तुलसी प्रज्ञा अप्रेल - सितम्बर, 2003
For Private & Personal Use Only
7/13
109
www.jainelibrary.org
