Scientific Foundations Of Jainism

SR No.: 022772
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: K V Mardia
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt Ltd
Publication Year: 1990
Total Pages: 146
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 16 MB

Page 89

THE PURIFICATION PRESCRIPTION
8.1. INTRODUCTION
IN THE LAST CHAPTER, we described austerities as the antidote to the five karmic agents, Perverted Views, Nonrestraint, Carelessness, Passions and Activities. In fact, the term austerities (according to Umasvati, see Appendix 3A, 9.8.1) implies the development of
Restraint, Watchfulness, Righteousness, Reflection, Affliction
Mastery and Right Conduct. Thus, there are 6 antidotes to the 5 karmic agents responsible for the stoppage of karmic influx and dissociation of karmic matter. However, all these 6 antidotes can be regarded as austerities by Axiom 4C.
We now describe in detail these 6 antidotes in relation to the fourteen purification stages. The above antidotes become effective at the sixth stage once the basic foundation is laid down. The important point to bear in mind is that the prescription consists mainly of purifying the body through fasting, limiting speech through silence, and stilling the mind through meditation.
8.2 EIGHT QUALITIES OF THE TRUE-INSIGHT
Once the fourth stage of 'True Insight' is attained, there are eight Qualities of True Insight that arise before one can rise to a higher stage on the purification axis. Four of these Qualities are of a negative nature. These are (1) Freedom from Doubts-regarding Jain teaching, (2) Freedom from Anticipation regarding speculation about the future, (3) Freedom from Disgust-arising from making a distinction between a pair of opposites, and (4) Freedom from False Notions-regarding gods, gurus and religious practices. The other four Qualities are of a positive nature. These are (5) Safeguardingthe Jain faith from public criticism, by dealing with the failings of a fellow Jain through discreet instruction, (6) Promoting Stability-by making others more certain of their religious conviction when they are sceptical, (7) Illumination-by positive actions which promote the Jain religion. The last Quality is (8) Disinterested Love which