Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘Right conduct (samyak caritra)’ of the study dealing with the Spiritual Practices of Jainism and Patanjali Yoga in the context of ancient Indian Philosophy (in Sanskrit: Darshana), including extracts from the Yogasutra and the Tattvartha-Sutra. The system of Yoga offers techniques which are scientifically designed for the spiritual development of an individual. Jainism offers ethicical principles and meditation practices to assist with spiritual development.
Part 2.3 - Right conduct (samyak caritra)
[Full title: Fundamental Principles of Jainism (3): Right conduct (samyak caritra)]
Samyak caritra could be called as prime practice of Jainism and samyak darsana and samyak jnana are necessary pre-requisites for this. Samyak caritra can only be possible after attaining above two i.e. samyak jnana and samyak darsana. It is actually perfect mental purification resulting into pure soul. The ultimate state of equilibrium is right conduct. Various types of conduct are mentioned by various scholars in scriptures like niscaya caritra (absolute conduct) and vyavahara caritra (practical/actual conduct).
Five types of conduct recommended by Tattvarthasutra (2.2) are chief means of liberation. They are:
- Samyak caritra (equanimity of mind, refraining from sins)
- Chedopasthapaniya caritra (observance of penalties for faults committed through negligence or inadvertence)
- Pariharavisuddhi caritra (refraining from all kinds of injury-physical, mental and vocal)
- Suksma samparaya caritra (control of the passions like greed)
- Yathakhyata caritra (characteristics of those monks who have annihilated all of their passions, lusts and desires).
Jainism always put more emphesis on attitude than the actions of the aspirant. Therefore main focus of right conduct is holding of five vows (mahavratas for ascetics), twelve vows (anuvratas) for laymen, following five samitis (carefulness) and three guptis (restrains) at the centre of our lives as described below.