________________
698
The Unknown Pilgrims
2. The internal harmony of the avasyakas
The āvasyakas form a whole and follow an orderly pattem, an inner sequence of spiritual growth corresponding to a progressively more complete purification of the ātman.
- The renewal of the principal vow, that of sāmāyika, is given pride of place. It reaffirms a total definitive commitment, in accordance with a well-defined aim and aspiration: renunciation of all blameworthy or harmful activity. After the renewal of this vow, one is free to address the tirtharikaras.
- The caturvimśatistava may only be recited by ascetics who are worthy followers of the jinas, by disciples who are faithful followers of the dharma.
- Next comes vandana, for it is the ācāryas and guruņis who continue to transmit the message of the kevalins, to teach the doctrine and guide the ascetics.
- Pratikramaņa demands an unfcigned sincerity, a sustained effort of attention and concentration - in this all the doctrine and its demands are recalled to mind - with a view to expressing desire for a return, a veritable conversion. The three preceding ăvaśyakas are instrumental in producing the necessary dispositions as just described.
- Kāyotsarga is, in its radical simplicity, the end-product, as it were, of pratikramana. Already it is the new ätman that is centring itself in this total abandonment and concentration.
- Pratyākhyāna comes last, because it prolongs the effort of the other āvaśyakas and looks to the future. 10
10 The Digambaras place kāyotsarga last, which appears reasonable in that it is the avasyaka par excellence. It is noteworthy that in fact, as we are going to see, the sutras belonging to one avaśyaka recur in the following āvasyakas; however, each āvaśyaka comprises a rite within the longer rite and follows the prescribed order.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
