FAQ on Various Topics of Jainsim
Jain Sangh/Congregation |
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Who is a Shravak? |
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Shravak is male householder who believes in spiritual teachings and listens to the scriptures. |
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Who is a Shravika? |
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Shravika is female householder who believes in spiritual teachings and listens to the scriptures |
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Arihant Bhagwan |
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Who are the Arihant Bhagwans? |
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Arihant Bhagwans are kevalis or Jinas who have conquered their inner passions and have destroyed their all four Ghati Karmas. |
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Can you name the current Ariahat Bhagwans? |
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1) Shri Simandhar Swami 2) Shri Jugmandhar Swami 3) Shri Bahu Swami 4) Shri Subahu Swami 5) ShriSujitnath Swami 6) Shri Svayamprabh Swami 7) Shri Rishbhanan Swami 8) Shri Anantveerya Swami 9) Shri Suprabh Swami 10) Shri Vishalprabh Swami 11) Shri Vrajdhar Swami 12) Shri Chandranan Swami 13) Shri Chandrbahu Swami 14) Shri Brujandev Swami 15) Shri Iswar Swami 16) Shri Nemprabh Swami 17) Shri Veersen Swami 18) Shri Mahabhadra Swami 19) Shri Devajassa Swami 20) Shri Ajeetsen Swami |
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Siddh Bhagwan |
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Who is Siddha Bahgwan? |
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Siddha Bhagwa is liberated soul and free from the bondage of any karmas and is bodyless entity. |
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Do Siddhas accumulate karmas? |
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No, Siddhas do not accumulate karmas because they have totally removed the Mohniys karma root cause of accumulating karmas. |
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Monks and Nuns (Sadhus and Sadhvis) |
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Who are Jain Sadhus (monks)? |
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Jain Sadhu are renounced men who has voluntarily given up the worldly life for the uplift of the soul. They have accepted to follow five major vows. |
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Who are Jain Sadhvis? |
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Jain Sadhvis are renounced women who has voluntarily given up the worldly life for the uplift of the soul. They have accepted to follow five major vows.
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Can you name the vratas of sadhus/sadhvis? |
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Five major vratas (vows) of Sadhus and sadhvies are: 1) Pranatipatavirman Vrat 2) Mrishavadavirman Vrat 3) Adattadanvirman Vrat 4) Maithunavirman Vrat 5) Parigrahavirman Vrat |
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Describe some of the characteristics of sadhu life? |
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They have given up social ties. They accept five major vows. They go for alms and only take limited food. They drink boiled water only. They do pratikraman twice a day. They walk bear feet. All nuns wear white clothes. Some monks were white clothes while some wear no clothes. Digambar monks and nun take food and water once a day and from one place. |
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What is Chaturmas? |
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It is a four months period during the rainy season, when sadhus and sadhvis stay at
one place. |
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Why do Sadhus and Sadhvis observe Chaturmas? |
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During raining season because of plenty of water there are lot more bugs and green vegetation growing. Plus there will be water all over on the ground also. So to avoid, injury to even bugs and insects and vegetable life they stay four months in one place. and that is why they observe Chaturmas. |
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What are the ten spiritual disciplines of a Sadhu? |
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1) Khama (forgiveness) 2) Akinchan (non-attachment) 3) Arjava (straightforwardness) 4) Mardava (humility) 5) Shauch (contentment) 6) Satya (truth) 7) Sanyam (self-restraint) 8) Tapa (austerity) 9) Tyaga (Renunciation) 10) Brahmchrya (celebacy) |
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Describe the life of Sthavar-Kalpi monks. |
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Sthavar-Kalpi wear white clothes, have a Muhapati, have a Rajoharan (holy broom) and carry wooden bowls for accepting the food. They accept alms strictly observing their rules. They stay in an upashraya free from worldly activities. |
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How do a Jain monks and nuns get food (alm)? |
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A Jain Svetambar monks and nuns get food (alm) by begging known as gochari. He/she goes to various houses, and accepts only acceptable food that was not made for them but was made for householders themselves. They take food in a very small quantity from different houses so that the householders do not have to cook more food again. A Jain Svetambar monks and nuns get food twice a day.
A Jain Digambar monks and nuns get food only one time a day. They take food in one place. Monks accept food in standing position while nuns take food sitting down. They do not eat or drink once it is over.
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Who is Acharya? |
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Acharya is a sadhu who is the leader of other sadhus and the sadhvis, and he leads us to the spiritual uplift of the soul, and guides us to the path of liberation.
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Who is Upaddhyay? |
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Upadhyay is a sadhu who has studied the scripture in much detail and teaches other sadhus and sadhvis. |
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Nav Tattvas (Nine Fundamentals) |
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What are the name of Nine Fundamentals? |
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Nine fundamentals are:
1) Living Beings - Souls (Jivas - Atmas) 2) Non Living Things (Ajivas) 3) Results of Good Deeds (Punya) 4) Results of Bad Deeds (Papa) 5) Inflow of Karmas (Asrava) 6) Bondage of Karmas (Bandh) 7) Stoppage of Karmas (Samvar) 8) Shedding of Karmas (Nirjara) 9) Liberation from Karmas (Moksha) |
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What is meant by the Jiva? |
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Jiva means one which can breathe, regenerate or reproduce, eat and have mind to think, and has consciousness and knowledge, etc. |
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What is meant by the Ajiva? |
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Things which do not have life or qualities like breathing, regenerating, consciousness, knowledge, perception, etc., are known as ajiva or non living things. |
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What does the Asrava mean? |
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We keep busy doing things good or bad and accordingly we accumulate good or bad karmas. The process of inflow of these karmas to the soul is known as ahrava. |
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What does mean by the Moksha? |
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Moksha means liberation or attaining salvation that is when a soul has shed off all of its karmas and thereafter, that soul does not have to go through the cycle of birth and death ever again. |
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Jiv (Soul-Atma) |
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What is meant by the Jiva? |
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Jiva means one which can breathe, regenerate or reproduce, eat and has knowledge and consciousness, etc. |
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What are the different categories of Jivas? |
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The souls are divided into two categories. Some may describe Jivas in five types also. Some may even describe in two groups Non-moving (Sthavar) and Moving (Tras) Jivas.
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What are the different Jivas described depending upon spirituality? |
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There are two kinds of jivas: 1) The liberated souls, the muktatma, the soul that is bodiless and has been once and for all freed from the bondage of all the karmas and cycle of births and deaths. 2) The non-liberated souls, samsari atma, the soul that has a body and is caught in the bondage of karmas and cycle of births and deaths. |
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What is the paryapti? |
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Paryapti means a special power through which jiva converts matter (pudgal) like food into an energy. |
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Who is a Veetragi? |
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A Jiva who does not have either attachment, or hatred is called veetragi. |
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59. What are the nine divisions of Jivas? |
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1) Earth-body Jiva, 2) Water-body Jiva 3) Fire-body Jiva 4) Air-body Jiva 5) Vegetable-body Jiva 6) Two-sensed-Jiva 7) Three-sensed-Jiva 8) Four-sensed-Jiva, and 9) Five-sensed-Jiva |
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What are the gross Jivas? |
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The gross Jiva live in a gross body, which is visible to the naked eyes and can be cut into pieces, can be pierced, can be burnt, and they can be pricked. |
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What is Aparyapta Jiva? |
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A Jiva that has not developed all its paryapties to the full extent is called aparyapta jiva. |
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Ajiv (Non-Living things) |
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Universe (Chaud Rajlok) |
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Kashaya (Passions) |
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Karmas (Results of our deeds) |
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Leshya (Mental Inclinations) |
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Samgna (Mental Tendencies) |
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Punya (Results of Good Deeds) |
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Pap (Results of Bad Deeds) |
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Asrav (Inflow of Karma) |
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Bandh (Bondage) |
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Samvar - Gupti - Samiti (Stopage of KArmas) |
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Pratikraman (Introspection) |
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Nirjara (Sheding of Karma) |
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Vows - Anuvrats and Mahavrats |
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What is a vow? |
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A vow is to restrain from something at one’s own will. |
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What are the different ways one can take a vow? |
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One can as simple a vow as he/she will do so and so for such a time. For example he/she decided to take vow of not eating or drinking for next two hours or to tell only truth for next two hours. Or, one may take minor (anuvrats) as householders. Or, one may take majr vows as monks (sadhus) and nuns (Sadhvis). |
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What is meant by Atikrama of vow? |
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Atikrama means it disturbs the purity of the mind through the thought of committing violations but violation is not committed yet. |
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What happens if we break the vow? |
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Before we take a vow or agree to take a vow one should ask ourselves that will we be able to keep the vow being taken. We should not take any vow under pressure when we realize or know that it will be difficult to keep it. If we break a vow then, yes, we get un un-auspicious karmas. |
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What happens if we break a vow by accident or by unwilling incident? |
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Any time we break a vow is not a desirous thing to happen or do. Anytime vow is broken it will bring some un-auspicious karmas. If vow is broken by accident that is without our intention to break it then we will get minimal bad karmas and their bondage will not be strong. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Sthool Pranatipatvirman Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Binding any creature and putting it in a prison house or a pound-house, 2) The beating any living beings, 3) Cutting down trees or plant or any parts of any living beings, 4) Exterminating your house or using pesticides in farm, 5) Yelling or bullying other people. |
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What are the the Atichar (Violations) of The Sthool Mrushavadvirman Vrat? |
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Atichar (violations) are: 1) Blaming, defaming or saying harsh words to others out of undue haste and carelessness, 2) Revealing secrets of others or working as a spy, 3) Revealing spouse"s secrete or backbiting each other, 4) Misleading persons by giving ill advice or false preaching, 5) Preparing false or forged documents or maintaining false accounts. |
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What is The Sthool Adattadanvirman Vrat? |
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This vow is not to steal nor break into the house or the property of others, nor pick up unclaimed things without declaring. We should not avoid paying government taxes of any kind. |
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What are the the Atichar (Violations) of The Sthool Adattadanvirman Vrat? |
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Atichar (violations) are: 1) Buying stolen goods, 2) Teaching the art of stealing or giving the shelter to the thieves, 3) Doing anything against law of the land, 4) Keeping false weights and measures and wrong balances, 5) Giving inferior goods after showing superior quality or even adulterating. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Sthool Maithunvirman Vrat? |
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Atichar (violations) are: 1) Having sexual relationship with underage spouse, 2) Having premarital or extramarital sex, 3) Looking intensely with sexual desires at the body of a woman or a man and express sexual desire, gestures, or making passes, 4) To engage in arranging marriages of other than your own children, 5) To be engrossed in the thoughts of sexual pleasures. |
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What is The Sthool Parigrahpariman Vrat? |
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This vow is to determine the limits to the acquisition of wealth, belongings and to their use and can also include social positions. If it is not convenient to limit the value of each item, then we should limit the total numbers. We should not cross or adjust the limits knowingly or unknowingly in any way. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Sthool Parigrahpariman Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Having the excessive money, gold, silver, etc., 2) having too many toys, cloths, furnitures, cameras, televisions, etc., 3) Buying too much land, expensive houses or cars, 4) Holding positions in many community organizations, or for a long period, 5) Keeping many servents.
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What is The Dishapariman Vrat? |
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This vow is to limit and determine the extent to which one can go and return; and the area within which one can move or travel about. We should restrict or limit such distance, and thus, stop extra sins of traveling. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Dishapariman Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Crossing the limit in upward direction, 2) Crossing the limit in downward direction, 3) Crossing the limit in east, west, north or south directions, 4) Curtailing the limit in one direction and to extend the limit of other direction, 5) Proceeding in spite of realizing that the limit is over. |
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What is The Upbhog-Paribhogvirman Vrat? |
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This vow contains two words: 1) Bhog, 2) Upabhog.
Bhog implies the pleasures related to the things like food, water etc., which are used once.
Upabhog implies the pleasures related to the things which may be used and enjoyed again and again such as houses, ornaments, clothes, etc. This vow is to put a limit to their use. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Upbhog-Paribhogvirman Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Consuming raw vegetables (sachit things), 2) Consuming food connected with raw vegetables or rawgrain, 3) Consuming some thing, which is partially cooked vegetables or flour, etc., 4) Eating halfcooked things like roasted corn, etc., 5) Consuming such things in which there is less to eat and more to waste (sugarcane).
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Anarthadand virman Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Reading cheap literature and watching sensual or violent shows or movies, 2) Making such bodily actions and gestures as laughing; provocative laughter, acting and making faces to insult others, 3) Engaging in meaningless talk; gossiping and making unnecessary stir up, 4) Manufacturing and or keeping weapons and devices to cause violence, 5) Hoarding things relating to worldly and sensual enjoyment. |
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What is The Samayik Vrat? |
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In this vow one has to be seated at one place for 48 minutes. In this, a person renounces all sinful activities. This helps us in remaining calm and steady i.e., we remain free from likes and dislikes of the world. During this time, we should do only religious activities and should abstain from attending to things of household life mentally, verbally and physically.
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Samayik Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) letting bad thoughts enter the mind, 2) Uttering bad or harsh words, 3) Moving around the body, or leaning against the wall, yawning, sleeping etc., 4) Being careless, 5) Finishing before the actual time is up. |
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What is The Deshavagasik Vrat? |
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In this, we vow to further limit our movements in all six directions and use of things from the dawn of the day, for one day and one night. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Deshavagasik Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Getting things from outside the limit, 2) Sending a person outside the limit and getting it, 3) Asking for the things which are outside the limit area by calling, coughing, etc., 4) Asking for the things beyond the limit by making their forms or figures, 5) Asking for the article beyond the limit by throwing a pebble or other signs. |
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What is in The Paripoorna Paushadh Vrat? |
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In this vow one is renouncing eating, drinking water, and thoughts related to household activities and being immersed in spiritual reflections for 24 hours or a longer period. Paushadh enhances the speed of spiritual efforts and provide strength to shravaks. |
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What is done during the Paushadha vow? |
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In paushadha vrat, a person spends 36 hours starting from the previous evening and next full day till early morning next day in spiritual activities, religious readings, swathyaya, and meditation. During this time, one usually does not take any food or drink, does not have any sexual desires, or beautify the body, etc. They stop all inauspicious activities of the mind, body, and speech. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Paripoorna Paushadh Vrat? |
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Atichar (Violations) are: 1) Making the bed carelessly, without looking for any living body or not looking properly, 2) Not sweeping the place for making bad or sweeping it carelessly, 3) Not seeing the place to dispose the waste properly or seeing it carelessly, 4) Not sweeping the place to dispose waste properly or sweeping it carelessly, 5) Not following this paushadh vow in a proper manner. |
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What is The Atithi Samvibhag Vrat? |
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This vow is to give, with a feeling of selflessness, love and respect, the food, water and other such things necessary for existence to sadhus, sadhvies, shravaks, shravikas, or any needy people or animals. |
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What are the Atichar (Violations) of The Atithi Samvibhag Vrat? |
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Atichar (violations) are: 1) Giving or offering any unsuitable food to sadhus or sadhvis, 2) Giving or offering meat, poultry or sea food or any flash to anyone, 3) Giving something which is spoiled, fermented, stale, etc., 4) Being lazy to give personally, 5) Bragging about the offering given. |
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Bhavnas (Mental Reflections) |
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Can you name the Bhavanas? |
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Bhavanas are:
Aitya
Asharan
Samsar
Ekatva
Anyatva
Ashuchi
Ashrav
Samvar
Nirjara
Lokswarup
Bodhidurlabh
Dharma
Maitri
Pramod
Karuna
Madhyastha |
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Can you describe Anitya Bhavana? |
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Anitya bhavana means contemplating about the transitory nature of things around us. We must accept that everything in this world is transient and perishable and nothing is permanent and therefore nothing will last forever and we could have losses during our lifetime. The loss could happen from what we may possess or among our family members or friends and even foes. Therefore, it is fruitless to mourn or loose mental peace over the loss of such transient relationship but we should keep ourselves calm. Once we accept this fact then if and when we suffer a loss in the form of material things or family members or friends then even in such adverse situation instead of feeling sorrow or being sad we will keep ourselves calm because we know that nothing could be permanent. |
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How do we reflect on Anitya Bhavana? |
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We must reflect that everything around us is changing and nothing remains or is going to be permanent. A person was a child first and then became a young adult. Same young adult became man and as the time passed by he also became an old man and ultimately he died. In same manner father, mother, brother sister, spouse and children die too. So how long will stay this relationship? 15, 25, 35, 50 or ….. years. So what happens after that? How what is the use of spending our valuable time after such relationship? Then where should we be spending our time? Only thing which is permanent is our soul. So we must work towards making it purer. Therefore, we should reflect on spending time after permanent things than transient things. |
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What is the implication of Anitya Bhavana? |
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Once we realize that nothing can last forever including possessions or personal relationship then if and when we suffer a loss in the form of material things or family members or friends then even in such adverse situation instead of feeling sorrow or being sad we will keep ourselves calm because we know that nothing could be permanent. |
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Does contemplating or meditating on Anitya Bhavana help in controlling our passions? |
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Yes, it does. Anitya Bhavana reminds us that everything is perishable including not only what we have but also our family members and friends. Usually loss causes our passion to go up but once we accept that nothing can last forever we will accept the losses very easily and stay calm. Therefore, contemplating on Anitya Bhavana will make our resolve stronger and stronger. |
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How should we react when a close relative dies? |
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The death of family member is a loss but once we accept that everybody dies sometime and no one can live forever we will take this loss in much calmer manner. We should reflect on Anitya Bhavana which reminds us that everything in this world is transient we will not feel so bad but rather face the situation with courage and peace in our mind. |
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What do we gain by reflecting on Anitya Bhavana? |
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Anitya Bhavana helps us understand the true relationship between the body and the soul. It reminds us that we will have to leave the body sometime so instead of spending too much time after the body, which is perishable, rather spend time for the uplift of the soul, which is permanent. |
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Can you describe Asharan Bhavana? |
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Asharan Bhavna means thinking that no other individual can provide us lasting refuge. Nothing external can offer the permanent refuge. When death occurs even the soul has to leave the body. There is no one who can save the jiva from this happening. Wealth, and family, etc., would stay behind and you have to face the future by yourself. So instead of taking refuge in false thing take refuge which will stay with you and that is your religion. It will guide you to go right path. Take refuge who teaches this path so it will be help and time will be spent wisely doing something worthwhile. |
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What is the implication of Asharan Bhavana? |
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Once we realize that no one give us protection including possessions or personal relationship then if and when we suffer a loss in the form of material things or family members or friends then even in such adverse situation instead of feeling sorrow or being sad we will keep ourselves calm because we know no one else but our own actions can protect us. |
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When should we contemplate on Asharan Bhavana? |
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During loss when we expected someone else to protect us, we should tell ourselves that what is happening to us our own doing. No one else can change or protect us from that. So, rather than whining accept the fact and stay calm and get over it peacefully. |
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Can you describe Sansar Bhavana? |
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Thinking of worldly life.
In the cycle of different worldly lives (samsar) the mother can become a wife; a wife can become a mother; and an enemy can become a friend; and a friend can become a foe, etc. How fruitless is this samsar, where relationships go on changing. Therefore, I should not develop bondage for others. |
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Can you describe Ekatva Bhavana? |
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Thinking of being alone.
In this Samsar (worldly life) the Jiva (soul) is born alone and dies alone. It accumulates the Karmas alone and it experiences the fruits of its Karmas alone, too. Who belongs to whom in this world? Though jiva is living in the middle of the crowd, he is absolutely alone. Therefore, give up the attachment for others. |
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Can you describe Anyatva Bhavana? |
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Thinking of the soul as separate from the body.
The body and the soul are different and separate from each other. The body is inert, but my soul is the very embodiment of consciousness. The soul is imperishable. It will not die. The body; of course, burns and becomes ashes. Agonies afflict only the body and not to the soul. I am not the body. The body is not mine. |
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Can you describe Ashuchi Bhavana? |
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Thinking that the body is unclean.
This body is made up of impure substances like blood, urine, and fecal material, etc. I will discard my attachments for such body and engage myself in self‑discipline, renunciation and spiritual endeavours. The body is made up of the substance that decays very easily. |
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Can you describe Ashrav Bhavana? |
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Thinking of the causes of the inflow of karmas.
Ashrav means inflow of karmas. Evil tendencies and actions pollute and corrupt the soul with karmas. Therefore, one must think to be free from all such activities to avoid the inflow of karmas. |
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Can you describe Samvar Bhavana? |
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Thinking of taking the action to stop the inflow of karmas.
Samvar means blocking of inflow of karmas. One must think of the tremendous benefits of each Samvar like Samiti, Gupti, Yati‑dharma, etc. One must carry out these activities to reduce the inflow of karma. |
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Can you describe Nirjara Bhavana? |
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Thinking of destroying karmas.
By performing austerities, we can destroy our Karmas. There are such twelve kinds of austerities. Therefore, we should think of when can we perform such austerities to destroy our karmas so that we can be liberated. |
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Can you describe Lokaswarup Bhavana? |
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Thinking of the universe.
Think of the creation of the fourteen Rajlok (universe) which are made up of the substances which are subject to the law of origin, existence and destruction. This whole universe is filled with jivas and pudgals. |
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Can you describe Bodhidurlabh Bhavana? |
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Thinking of developing faith in the dharmik (religious) principles.
One should think that it is hard to attain human life, healthy body, dharma, and to act according to dharma, etc. It is even more difficult to develop a true and abiding faith in the dharmik doctrines. We should think to make our faith strong and stronger forever. |
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Can you describe Dharma Bhavana? |
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Thinking of the influence of dharma. How much have we been benefited by the Jinas and theirdoctrines! This life is possible only if there is dharma. We have attained comforts and happiness by the benevolence of dharma. It would be difficult to live without dharma. One should think of dharma from the practical points of view. |
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Can you describe Maitri Bhavana? |
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Thinking of friendship.
Think to be a friend of all beings in this universe. Once you are a friend you can not think bad of anyone, but rather make their life easier. |
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Can you describe Pramod Bhavana? |
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Thinking of honoring superiors.
Think of having heartfelt affection, regard and esteem for people who are superior to us in virtues, knowledge and ability. Not to entertain such feelings as jealousy and envy; and not to look at anyone maliciously and with a sinister feeling. Think to be cheerful and happy at the sight of virtuous people; and to express cordial happiness on seeing such people. |
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Can you describe the Karuna Bhavana? |
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Thinking of compassion.
Think to show compassion to those who are in distress, want; and to those who are weak and helpless. Think to help them by giving your support to remove their sorrows and agonies. |
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Can you describe the Madhyastha Bhavana? |
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Think to stay neutral.
Think to treat with indifference those people who even after realization and knowing the right from wrong, arrogantly and obstinately refuse to walk on the path of righteousness. Think that may be one day they may improve, but I do not have to be affected by their behavior. Think of being in equanimity even in such circumstances. |
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What kind of bhavanas should one have? |
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One should entertain and expand auspicious and useful thoughts. One should not allow one’s soul to get entangled in the various materialisrtic events taking place around oneself. |
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What is the purpose of bhavanas? |
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Bhavanas enable people to attain mental peace, tranquillity, and spiritual uplift.
How many auspicious events are there in the life of Tirthankars? There are five auspecious events in the life of a Tirthankar. |
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When should we reflect on Ashuchi Bhavana? |
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When we are attracted by the beauty of the body, we should reflect that this body is full of perishable stinking things under the skin. So, why should we be attracted to it. |
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What does one reflect on Lok Bhavana? |
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I am a pure soul who shall reside in Siddhashila. What am I doing in this world? I should work to attain my goal of liberation from the cycles of births and deaths. |
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Tapasya (Austerities) |
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What is the Austerity (Tapasya)? |
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Austerity is called austerity which means voluntary give up or restraint from available things and desires to uplift the soul. |
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What are the different types of Austerity? |
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There are two major types of austerities. They are:
1) External (Bahyantar)
2) Internal (Abhyantar)
Each one of these two austerities is further sub-divided into six groups. |
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What is the Bahyantar (External) Austerity? |
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External austerities are those austerities which when performed can be noticed by other people. May be there is another definition that external austerities are to help us to train our mind (Bhav) through the control of our body and other activities. |
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What is the Abhyantar (Internal) Austerity? |
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Internal austerities are those austerities which when performed, can not be noticed by other people. May be there is another definition that internal austerities are to help us to control our mind (Bhav) which is in disarray by our inner weaknesses, desires or passions. |
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What is Anasan (Fasting Completely): |
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Anasan means fasting, renouncing food and water, etc., for a day, for many days or throughout the life. One day of total fasting is called upavas. Fasting completely until death is done when life is close to an end. Such fasting is considered very auspicious and is called Physical Anasan.
Bhav Anasan refers to the total control of our inner desires for a short or a long time. If this austerity is cultivated then only will we be able to strive for spiritual uplift. |
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What is Unodari (Partial Fasting): |
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Unodari means eating less than what one’s hunger is. The Jain dharma prescribes thirty-two handfuls of food per day and in order to perform this austerity, one may eat a few handfuls less than the prescribed amount.
Bhav Unodari means to limit our desires to some extent. It may be more difficult to do this than to control them totally, but once this starts then we will limit our desires for things in our daily life. |
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What is Vruti Sankshep (Limiting the number of items of the food) |
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In Vruti Sankshep, we put a limit on the number of items we may eat during a single sitting or throughout the day.
Bhav Vruti Sankshep means to limit our desires for some part of a day or a whole day. This austerity will help us to control our desires so that our mind will keep from wandering. |
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What is Ras Parityag (Limiting desired tasty food) |
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Ras Parityag means to renounce tasty foods which one likes very much. It can be done partially or in total for short time or prolonged period of time.
Bhav Ras Parityag is more difficult to perform than the other austerities because in this we limit our most desired thoughts. An austerity of this nature will help us to control our passions even in the most tempting situations. |
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What is Kayakalesh (Bodily Endurance) |
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Kayakalesh means to stand or sit in a particular posture for a long period of time. This austerity may cause pain, but one should ignore the pain.
In Bhav Kayakalesh one stands firm in controlling passions even if temptations are great. |
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What is Pratisanlinata (Controlling of Senses) |
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In Pratisanlinata one controls all types of senses in order to prevent pleasant and unpleasant temptations. In order to perform this austerity one may stay in isolation for one or more nights.
In Bhav Pratisanlinata one controls oneself from lying, telling the distorted truth, or from participating in sensual activities. Thus this austerity helps to control passions like anger, pride, deception, and greed. |
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What is Prayschit (Atonement)? |
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In Prayaschit, one asks for forgiveness for the various errors of commission and omission, the faults and sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. This austerity may be performed in the presence of a monk or nun or can be done alone. Prayaschit helps us to reflect upon ourselves in a way that leads to self correction. Even for a small fault we begin to say “Michchami Dukkadam.” |
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What is Vinay (Humility)? |
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One must cultivate humbleness towards everyone. This austerity leads to tolerance and sympathy towards others and helps us to overcome ego and anger.
There are four types of Vinay:
Jnan Vinay - One should be humble and respectful to those who are superior in knowledge and wisdom.
Darshan Vinay - One should be humble and respectful to those who have acquired the true insight of religious principles.
Charitra Vinay - One should be humble and respectful to those who have good morals and follow religious principles.
Mana Vinay - One should pay respect and be humble to all saints who help others in their spiritual uplift. |
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What is Vaiyavachch (Serving others)? |
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Vaiyavachch means serving religious teachers, ascetics, virtuous people, sadhus, colleagues, and companions with devotion. One should especially render services to the sick and weak. Though this austerity seems to be external activity it makes a person humble and serves the purpose of overcoming ego and hatred. |
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What is Svadhyay (Spiritual study)? |
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Svadhyay means to study scriptures or can also mean to understand the self. Through study we try to answer the questions: who am I? Who should I be? Through Svadhyay we realize that a soul is a pure thing. This will lead us to contemplate on the question: what am I doing in this body? Thus, study will lead you to be a pure soul. This study is divided into five levels:
When one starts reading the scriptures it is called Vachana.
While reading some doubts may arise and trying to resolve them is called Prachana.
After understanding what is right and contemplating on it is called Anupreksha.
After realizing what is right, one should contemplate on it again and again so one can stay in focus. This repetition is called Amnaya.
After learning what self is one should teach others the same. This is known as Dharmopadesh.
All five of above are external svadhyay, but they will lead us to do internal svadhyay about the self. Thus, one will acquire right perception and right knowledge which will lead to right conduct and will open up the path to ultimate liberation. |
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What is Dhyan (Meditation)? |
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Dhyan means concentration of thought. This concentration could arise from intense passions like attachment, lust, or animosity or from the search for the truth and from absolute detachment towards worldly affairs.
Dhyan is divided into four categories:
Arta dhyan,
Roudra dhyan,
Dharma dhyan,
Shukla dhyan.
In arta dhyan a person reflects on the i) loss of dear ones (Ishta Viyog), ii) development of a new relationship with an undesirable or unpleasant person (Anishta Samyog), iii) physical illness (Roga chinta) and iv) future planning (Agrasocha or Nidanartha).
In roudra dhyan one is absorbed in taking total revenge for some damage or loss caused by others. There are four types: i) Hisanubahndhi, ii) Mrishanubadhi, iii) Steynubandhi, and iv) Samrakshanubandhi.
Both arta and roudra dhyan lead to accumulation of bad karmas and therefore art and roudra dhyan should be avoided.
Dharma dhyan means reflecting on the ways and means towards realization of self.
Shukla dhyan means reflecting on the purity of the soul.
Dharma dhyan and shukla dhyan lead to the removal of karmas. Therefore, for the purpose of nirjara we shall contemplate on dharma dhyan and shukla dhyan. If contemplation on dharma dhyan is at the highest level then we can completely destroy Mohniya karma and within 48 minutes of the destruction of Mohaniya Karma, Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya and Antaräy Karmas are also destroyed and one becomes a Kevali.
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What is the Navkarasi? |
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One must take food and water 40 minutes after the sunrise. Even the brushing of the teeth and rinsing the mouths must be done after that time. |
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What is the Ekasan? |
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One takes food once a day sitting in one place. (One should not eat the salad or the raw grains.) One also drinks the boiled water during the daytime. |
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What is the Ayambil? |
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One takes food only once in one sitting. Food should be boiled and not have any spices, milk, curd, ghee, oil, and raw vegetables. One drinks only boiled water during the daytime. It is better if one can do the chauvihar or the tivihar the night before. |
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What is the Upavas? |
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Upavas means fasting for twenty-four hours from the sunrise today to the sunrise on the next day, during which one does not take any kind of food or liquids but may drink the boiled water. It is preferred if one can do the chauvihar or the tivihar the night before.
a) Tivihar upavas ‑ During this, one does not take any food or drink any liquids except the boiled water only. b) Chauvihar upavas - During this, one does not take any food or liquids during the day or the night. |
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What is the Tivihar? |
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In tivihar one does not take food of any kind including liquids except water after the sunset until the sunrise next day but can take water. |
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What is the Chauvihar? |
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Chauvihar means one does not take any food or any liquids after the sunset until the sunrise next day. |
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What is the Navapad Oli? |
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During every year, one does ayambils for 9 days starting on the bright fortnight either on 6th or 7th day in Ashwin and Chaitra months for a period of four and one-half years. Some people may take only one kind of food grain on a given day. |
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What is Kayotsarga? |
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It means to give up one’s physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul . |
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Trya-Ratna (Three Jain Jems) |
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What does the Nirved mean? |
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Disliking towards the worldly activities
The feeling of detachment from the pleasures and enjoyments of the worldly life |
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How can we know about the Vyavhar Samyakatva? |
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There are five signs of Vyavahar Samyakatva. They are:
1. Sam (Equanmity)
2. Samvega (Keen desire for liberation)
3. Nirveda (Non-attachment to sensual feelings)
4. Anukampa (Compassion)
5. Astika (Belief in spiritual principles) |
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What is Astika? |
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Astikta is to believe in
Soul
Punya (merit)
Pap (demerit)
Parlok (next world)
Svarg (celestial abode)
Narak (hell)
God (Jina)
Liberation (Moksha) |
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Are Jains Nastik? |
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No, those who believe in the soul, merit, demerit, their fruits and believe in liberation, salvation or Moksha are not Nastik. Jains believe in all these, so they are not nastik. |
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What are the ten bases (Ruchies) of Samyaktva? |
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They are:
Nisarg Ruchi (natural desire)
Updesh Ruchi (desire arising after listening to scriptural lecture)
Agya Ruchi (desire to follow the preachings)
Sutra Ruchi (desire to study scripture)
Beej Ruchi (to know in brief and then to think about it in detail)
Abhigam Ruchi
Vistar Ruchi
Kriya Ruchi
Sankshep Ruchi
Dharam Ruchi |
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Gunasthanaks (Ladder of Spiritual Progress) |
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What does the Mithyadrishti Gunasthanak mean? |
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Mithyatva-drishthi Gunasthanak means the stage of false‑vision or delusion. In this stage one accepts right as wrong and wrong as right. One does not have faith in fundamentals (nine tattvas) taught by Jina. |
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What does the Saswadan Samyakdrishti Gunasthanak mean? |
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Saswadan Samyakdrishti Gunasthanak means the stage of having tasted righteousness. In this stage the soul has once tasted righteousness ‑ the right path, but is returning from there for want of faith in fundamentals (nine tattavas). |
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What does the Mishra Gunasthanak mean? |
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Mishra Gunasthanak means the mixed stage. In this Gunasthanak, sometimes a person has the desire for samyaktva and sometimes not. Person’s intellect always keeps swinging and oscillating between the two points of having and not having faith like a pendulum. |
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What does the Avirati Samyakdrishti Gunasthanak mean? |
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Avirati Samyakdrishti Gunasthanak means unable to take a vows. One has faith in the fundamentals (nine tattvas) as taught by Jina. One develops the right vision about liberation of the soul but in this stage, he/she can not perform any austerities and can not renounce worldly things. He reflects on the soul but can not attempt to purify it. |
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What does the Deshvirati Gunasthanak mean? |
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Deshvirati Gunasthanak means partial renunciation. Desh means some aspect. Virati means renunciation. In this gunasthanak he/she observes a partial renunciation, according to his ability. He accepts upto the twelve vows and some other austerities. |
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What does the Pramatta Samyati Gunasthanak mean? |
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Pramatta means pramad or Careless. Samyati means Sadhu. In Pramatta Samyati Gunasthanak they renounce the world totally and become sadhu or sadhvi, but they are not always careful of their conduct in their spiritual efforts. |
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What does the Apramatta (Samyati) Gunasthanak mean? |
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Apramatta means Careful. Apramatta Samyati Gunasthanak means sadhus and sadhvis confirm to the principles of self‑discipline, and do not entertain any sinful thoughts nor commit any kind of sinful actions. They keep away from pride, sensual enjoyments, passions, and gossip in all the forms, mentally, verbally, and physically. |
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What does the Nivriti‑badar Gunasthanak mean? |
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Nivritti‑badar Gunasthanak means in this stage they are free from gross passions. This stage is also called, Apoorva Karan. In this stage sadhus/sadhvis are completely free from the gross passions. Their souls attain purity and perfection to a vast extent. They control their attachments, hatred and infatuation to the maximum extent. |
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What does the Suksham Samparay Gunasthanak mean? |
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Sukshma Samparay Gunasthanak means the stage where only a subtle avarice is remaining. When the soul steps into this stage, except subtle part of avarice (Lobh) all the other passions disappear. |
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What does the Upashant Moha Gunasthanak mean? |
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Upashant Moh Gunasthanak means the stage of suppressed passions. It is delusive stage of being Vitrag because the passions (Kashaya) are not destroyed but they are suppresses. Passions surface within one antah muhurt of reaching to this stage and when that happens the soul dives downward in spiritual stages. |
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What does the Kshin Moha Gunasthanak mean? |
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Kshina Moha Gunasthanak means the stage of passionless. When reaching to this stage the soul has gotten rid of all the passions. The soul is called Vitragi. The has no attachment or hatred towards anybody or to any situation. |
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What does the Sayogi Kevali Gunasthanak mean? |
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Sayogi Kevali Gunasthanak means the stage of Kevaljnan, Kevaldarshan, and infinite power. Sayogi means activities of mind, voice and body. In this stage, the soul becomes completely free from all soul polluting karmas and, therefore, there is no bondage of karmas even though there are activities going on. |
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What does the Ayogi Kevali Gunasthanak? |
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Ayogi Kevali Gunasthanak means the stage of being totally free from any activity. The Ayogi means no activities. This is the final stage of the soul’s progress. This stage is of very short period and during which the rest of karmas which are remaining to the soul are also removed and the soul is liberated forever. |
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Who is Mithyadrishti? |
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Jiva that has no belief in the teachings of the preceptor and, therefore, so he sees everything in wrong or false way. |
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What is an Apurva Karan state? |
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It is the highest state of spiritual thought activity in first gunasthanak when a person begins to realize wrong belief and gives up severe ( Anantanubandhi - error-feeding) passions and ignorance, and obtains the right vision is called Apurva Karan. |
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What is Yatha Pravritti Karan? |
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It is the state of Jiva when the thought activity is so good that he reduces the period of all karmas except Ayushya Karma to less than kroda krodi Sagropam years. |
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What is Anivritti karan? |
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In Anivritti karan wiping out the operation of wrong belief whose influence has been reduced to 48 minutes by Apurv karan and he/she gets the right vision. If Anivritti karan does not happen at this time then soul falls back to full influence of wrong belief. |
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What does a Jiva do in Upsham Shreni? |
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In upsham shreni, Jiva suppresses the passions, attachment and hatred. He can rise up to eleventh stage of spiritual elevation. Thereafter, Jiva has to fall down within 48 minutes. |
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How come Mithyatva Gunasthanak is first gunasthanak not a zero gunasthanak? |
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In Mithaytva Gunasthanak, even though there is no realization between wrong and right, one knows things around him/her. For example, on a very cloudy day even though we may not see the sun, we cannot say that there is no sun, because the power of light, which penetrates the clouds, enables us to see objects around us. In the same way the soul is able to exhibit some power of knowledge so it cannot be called zero gunasthanak. |
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Can you describe the mind of person who is In Mithyatva Gunasthanak? |
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In the Mithyatva Gunasthanak, he/she is over powered by severe passions, which do not allow him to think what is right for the soul and gets carried away in the wrong direction.
So he would know other people are people but he would not be reluctant to hurt them to attain his goals. He does not believe in soul so there is no true compassion and caring in him/her. |
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What are the ten types of Mithyatva ideas? |
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1.To call Jiva as Ajiva
2.To call Ajiva as Jiva
3.To consider the right path of spirituality as the wrong path
4.To consider the wrong path as the right path of spirituality
5.To consider the right path following monk similar as one following the wrong path
6.To consider a wrong path following monk similar as one following the right path
7.To consider the path of worldly life as path to liberation
8.To consider spiritual path to liberation as wrong path
9. To call liberated souls as non-liberated souls
10.To call non-liberated souls as liberated |
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What is Samyaktva? |
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Samyaktva is to have faith in the description of jiva and ajiva and the other seven fundamentals as described by Jina. |
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What is the characteristic of Pramat Sanyati Gunasthanak? |
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In Pramat Sanyati, one either completely wipes out or suppresses four types of severe, moderate and mild passions, and three of minute Darshan Mohniya karmas. During this stage, there is some kind of carelessness in observing vows. |
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What are the qualities in Apramatta Sanyati? |
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A sadhu in Apramatta Sanyati stage is very tranquil. His target of life is always fixed to Moksha. He confirms to the principle of self-discipline and minimizes sinful activities. |
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What is Kshapak Shreni? |
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In Kshapak Shreni, various karmas are removed forever from the soul as it progresses.
It starts from the ninth the gunasthanak and goes to the tenth Gunasthanas and then progresses to the twelth Gunasthanak and skipping the eleventh Gunasthanak. Once in twelth Gunasthanak the salvation of Jiva is guaranteed during that life. |
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Why we do not use word died when life ends in the 14th Gunasthanak stage? |
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Usually the death word is associated with birth. But here after the end of life in 14th Gunasthanak stage there is liberation of soul from the worldly body forever and there is no birth associated with it. Once the soul is liberated it ends the cycle of births and deaths. That is why we donot use word death died for them. |
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Naya (Single Way of Thinking) |
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Praman (Verification) |
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What is the Praman? |
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Praman is to see an object from many points of view and to understand it comprehensively. Praman is that by which, the real nature and form of an object can be understood. |
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What is the Pratyaksha Praman? |
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Actual observation
Pratyaksh Praman means seeing an object and obtaining a knowledge of it; and determining its form and nature. |
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What is the Upama Praman? |
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By means of comparison
Upama is to obtain the knowledge of an object by comparing and contrasting it with other things; and thus, determining its nature and form. |
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What is the Agam Praman? |
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By means of scriptures
Agam is the name given to the pure statements and expositions based on tenets of Jina; and this knowledge helps and guides us in our spiritual endeavours. These statements are given by the Kevalis only. |
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Tirthankar Mahavir |
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Dreams of Tirthankar's Mother |
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Tirthankar's PanchKalyanak (Auspecious Events) |
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Can you describe the 1st Kalyanak? |
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The first Kalyanaka is the Chyavana Kalyanaka.
This is when to be Tirthankar’s soul departs from its last life and is conceived in the womb of the mother. |
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Can you describe the 2nd Kalyanak ? |
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The second Kalyanaka is the Janma Kalyanaka.
This is when to be Tirthankar is born. The gods and goddesses celebrate this auspicious occasion. |
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Can you describe the 3rd Kalyanak ? |
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The third Kalyanaka is Diksha Kalyanaka.
This is when to be Tirthankar gives up all his worldly possessions and takes the vows of a monk. |
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Can you describe the 4th Kalyanak ? |
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The fourth Kalyanaka is Kevalagnan Kalyanaka.
This is when the Tirthankar attains kevalagnan (perfect knowledge). At this time the Tirthankar re-establishes the Jain Sangh, formed of the sadhus, sadhvis, shravaks, and shravikas. |
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Can you describe the 5th Kalyanak ? |
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The fifth Kalyanaka is Nirvana Kalyanaka.
This is when the Tirthankar dies in our terms but in reality the soul is liberated from this universe and his body forever. He goes to salvation and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death. |
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Definitions of Jain Terms |
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Who is Abhavya Jiva? |
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Jiva that does not believe teaching of Jina and in liberation or salvation is Abhavya Jiva |
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What is Ninda? |
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Ninda means criticism. It should be done for self and to examine self for improvement. It should be never done for others. |
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