Awakening

SR No.: 008704
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation
Publication Year: 1982
Total Pages: 211
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Sermon
File Size: 8 MB

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in conformity with dharma. For, the sake of shravakas and shravikas, (pious Jains) the shastras describe the fourth "Anuvratha." Shravakas and shravikas would be acting righteously, if the desire (Kama) is limited to pleasing their respective spouses. That means a shravaka should limit his Kama to Swadarasanthosh'; and a shravika should limit her Kama to "swapathisanthosh." Such a desire is righteous and is within the limits of dharma. All excellent virtues slowly emerge and abide in those in whose life dharma or righteousness prevails. When people attain such great virtues as renunciation and selfdiscipline and when their karmas are destroyed by their Tapasyas (penances), they will obtain not only absolute knowledge but also the fourth purushartha. Moksha and they will enjoy the sublime joy of moksha or salvation. That joy is permanent and unshakable. After working hard throughout the day, man goes to sleep to enjoy rest. A bed-stead is necessary for sleeping. The writers of shastras have described four sukhashayyas or bed-steads for the jiva or man. They are: (1) Shravana (listening to the Lord's voice), (2) Manana (contemplation), (3) Madhyasthya (neutrality), (4) Atmachintana (deep introspection).
Shravana means listening to the sacred words of the Lord through the preceptor. One who listens to the words of the mentor or Lord is called a Shravak or a listener. The precious experiences of great men