Jaina Ethics

SR No.: 001334
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 314
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Principle
File Size: 15 MB

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Jaina Ethics
prajñapti, for example, are works of astronomy. Jambudvipaprajnepti deals with Jaina cosmology. Nevertheless these Upangas sometimes furnish us with ethical material. Aupapātika, for example, gives us stories which elaborate and illustrate the doctrine of karman. Rajapraśniya deals with materialism as against spiritualism; Jivabhigama with categories of jivas. Rest of the Upangas contain many mythological stories.
The Chedas ütras :
Literally the word 'cheda' means 'cut'. It refers to 'cut' in the period of dikṣā as a sort of punishment to a monk. As a result, he has to pay respects to his juniors. The Chedas utras, six in number, are valuable for the study of Jaina ethics, for though many of them belong to a fairly later age, they deal, in detail, with the rules of conduct of a monk, specially with expiation (prayaścittas) for various violations of moral rules. Besides, these Chedasūtras are important to know the organisȧtion of Jaina monasticism.
(i) Nisitha :
The word 'Nisitha' means 'night'. The word is perhaps allegorically applied to denote punishment which was treated as secret and not announced in the assembly. It contains 20 uddesas. It is considered to be the second cula of Acārānga. It is also known as Acarakalpa. It gives atonements and penances to be prescribed by the acarya for transgressions of a moral rule by the monks. It is important to know the daily routine of a monk's life.
(ii) Mahāniśitha :
The original Mahāniśitha is said to be lost; it was restored by Haribhadra Suri. It also deals, together with other sundry matters, with consequences of evil deeds, atonement and confession.
(iii) Vyavahāra :
Consisting of ten uddeśakas, it is said to have been composed by Bhadrabahu. It gives the rules for ācārya and upadhyaya in detail. It also gives the syllabus for the study of Agamas for a monk.