Quotations From Scriptures:
Synopsis
Jainism places great importance on rational perception (SAMYAK DARSHAN), rational knowledge (SAMYAK JNAAN) and rational conduct (SAMYAK CHAARITRA). According to Jainism, conduct devoid of rational perception and rational knowledge is of little avail. Bhagwaan Mahaveer imparted his message to all through his conduct. In celebration of the twenty-six hundredth birth anniversary of Bhagwaan Mahaveer, we should make a firm resolve to adopt rational conduct and to renounce ritualism and exhibitionism.
The quotations on rational perception and rational knowledge from SAMAN SUTTAM were presented in the July 1998 and January 2001 issues, respectively. The quotations from SAMAN SUTTAM on experiential rational conduct are given below. Realistic (NISHCHAYA) rational conduct will be presented in the next issue.
Experiential rational conduct:
Experiential rational conduct entails avoiding
unethical activities and adopting virtuous activities;
it consists of vows, conscientiousness and self-restraint;
this is the teaching of JIN - the omniscient victors.
Experiential rational conduct consists in avoiding unethical activities and adopting ethical ones. Thus we should practice the virtues of nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, purity of body and mind, and non-possessiveness. We should also observe consciousness in five kinds of activities - walking, speaking, eating, accepting and placing objects, and disposing of waste products. This is an important message in support of preserving the environment. Further, we should exercise self-restraint in the activities of body, speech and mind. Essentially, the five vows, five kinds of consciousness and three kinds of self-restraint are aspects of the Jain practice of nonviolence.
Liberation and rational conduct:
A person, possessing an extensive knowledge of scriptures,
will not attain salvation without rational conduct;
one has to observe austerities, exercise self-control,
perform penance and purify activities of body, speech and
mind.
Some individuals think that by learning the scriptures, they can advance on the path to spiritualism. No doubt, a serious study of scriptures brings a sense of accomplishment, peace of mind and happiness. However, if our character is flawed and our conscience is not clear, knowledge alone will not help us achieve composure and happiness. Therefore we must observe austerities, practice self-control, limit our desires and perform penance to attain our spiritual goal.
At times, some scholars talk of devotion (BHAKTI), knowledge (JNAAN) and action (KARMA) as paths to salvation. In some instances, devotion is equated with faith and action with meaningless rituals. We should understand that Jainism teaches us to stay away from such shallow pronouncements and irrational practices.
Rational conduct and rational knowledge:
An individual who knows the path to his destination does not
reach
his goal without a proper endeavor, like a favorable wind for a
boat;
similarly, a soul who knows the path to liberation does not
attain
true happiness in the absence of judicious, virtuous
conduct.
A person may know the way to reach a certain destination by boat. He may even have a boat along with other necessary equipment. However, if he does not sail and take advantage of favorable wind conditions, he will not be able to cross the body of water and reach his goal. Rational perception and knowledge of aspects of reality are like knowing the path to salvation, but if we do not practice rational conduct, we will not advance towards our goal of purifying our souls.
This couplet is extremely revealing and relevant to us. We hear and talk of all kinds of 'nice' things. We attend scholarly lectures and learn inspirational quotes from scriptures. We indulge in exalted speeches about the great souls of the past, their teachings and deeds. However, if we do not practice the morals and ethics, which we extol in our discussions, peace and happiness will continue to elude us.
Scriptural knowledge and rational conduct:
As a person without the faculty of sight can not see
even in the presence of millions of brilliant lamps,
similarly, the knowledge of all scriptures is of no avail,
if an individual does not have righteous character.
One who is blind can not see in spite of millions of bright lamps. Similarly, an individual who does not have rational conduct is unable to attain peace of mind even though he may possess a vast knowledge of scriptures. Thus rational conduct is extremely important in life.
A novice with rational conduct:
A person who possesses only a limited scriptural knowledge
but who has a virtuous character and practices rational conduct,
enjoys a superior status than a person with no character,
but who possesses an extensive knowledge of scriptures.
An individual having only a modest knowledge of scriptures, who possesses rational conduct, is superior to a person who has considerable scriptural knowledge but no character. This implies that knowledge, which does not impel an individual to practice rational conduct, is of not much avail.
Footnote:
1) SAMAN SUTTAM is a compilation of 756 verses representing the sum and substance of Jain scriptures of Digambar as well as Shwetambar traditions. It was published by Sarva Seva Sangh, Rajghat, Varanasi, on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of Bhagwaan Mahaveer's Nirvana on April 24, 1975. In 1993, an edition of SAMAN SUTTAM containing an English translation of the verses was published by Sarva Seva Sangh, Rajghat, Varanasi.