Author: jambudweep

Description of Conduct of Saints (Sāmācāra): Meaning of the Term Sāmācāra This term Sāmācāra has four meanings : (1)It is the propensity devoid of attachment and aversion leading to volitional equality or veneration of five Supreme souls or practice of equanimity. (2)It is the transgressionless observance of basic virtues as are detailed under right conduct....

Topic on the Purity of Foods (Pinda-suddhi) The purity of food (Pinda) is termed as ‘Pinda-ṡuddhi’. There are eight kinds of defect for scrutinising the purity of foods : (1) Origination defects (Udgama doṣa) (2)Receiving-of-food or food -acceptance defects(utpadana dosa)  (3)Food-acceptablity defects (Eṣaṇa (4)Combinatory or mixing defect (Sanyojana) (5)Over quantity defect (Pramaṇa) (6)Lust-fire defect (Angara,...

The Religion of the (Jaina) Saints (a)Twenty eight basic Attributes : The basic and secondary attributes are the volitions of the living beings.57 There are twenty eight basic attributes involving five complete vows etc. There are thirty four secondary attributes - (1-12) twleve austerities and (13-34) twenty-two afflictions (Parīṣahas). The secondary attributes will be described...

Twelve Introspective Reflections(Anupreksās, Bhāvanās) There are twelve reflections for contemplation to awaken the detachmental attitude among the votaries practicing the five partial vows while in householdership. Alternatively, the Tīrthankaras have also reflected upon them even after initiation and detachment. They are, thus, like the mother to nucleate and grow detachmental propensities. 1.Anitya (Reflection on Transitoriness):...

Householder’s Life-style / Ritualistic Activities / Duties The text of Ṡrāvakācāra Sangraha (Compendium of Householder’s Conduct) has mentioned three types of rites or duties of the householders starting from conception and terminating into death. The right-faithed persons must undertake them as they result in good effects. The scholars have admitted the following three types of...

Defilements due to Delivery and Death (Sūtaka-Pataka) The term ‘Sūtaka’ is defined as the defilements and the resulting prohibitions of duties like deital worship and food-offerings (to saints) etc. due to the delivery or birth of a child in the household. The defilement and the resulting prohibition due to the death in the household is...

Six Essential Duties of Votary (See the earlier section on the stage of Househ old ership) An individual is called the best of the votaries who is engaged in six daily duties of (i) Worship (ii) Veneration of Preceptors (iii) Self-study (iv) Restraint (v) Austerity (vi)Donation who has the best of the lineages / family....

Four Duties of Votary There are four kinds of duty of the votaries32: (1) Worship (2) Donation (3) Good conduct (Ṡīla) (4) Fasting or austerity The worship means to offer proper services to the Gods, scriptures and preceptors with eight kinds of materials. The renunciation of foods, medicine etc. for the benefit of self or...

Four Stages of Life (Asramas) The seventh primary text of Upāsakādhyayana (Studies on Votaries) has stated that there are four life-stages of Jaina individuals : (a)Stage of Celibacy (Brahmacarya (b)Stage of Householdership (Gṛhastha) (c)Supreme Stage of Votary  (Vānaprastha) (d)Saint or Ascetic (Sanyāsa, renunciation) (a)Stage of Celibacy (Brahmacarya) There are five kinds of celibates : (1)Sacred-threaded...