Jainism and Patanjali Yoga (Comparative Study)
by Deepak bagadia | 2016 | 109,819 words
This page relates ‘Nine Elements (7): Samvara (Stoppage of influx of karma)’ 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 3.4 - Nine Elements (7): Samvara (Stoppage of influx of karma)
[Full title: Doctrines of Jainism (4): The Nine Elements (nava-tattvas) (7): Samvara (Stoppage of influx of karma)]
Samvara means prevention of Asrav or the incoming karma[1]. It is restraining the influx of Karma pudgals. The first step to emancipation or the realization of the self is to see that all channels through which karma has been flowing into the soul have been stopped, so that no additional karma can accumulate. This is referred to as the stoppage of the inflow of karma or samvara. There are two kinds of samvara: that which is concerned with mental life (bhava-samvara), and that which refers to the removal of karmic particles (dravya-samvara). This stoppage is possible by self-control and freedom from attachment. The practice of vows, carefulness, self-control, observance of ten kinds of dharma, meditation, and the removal of the various obstacles, such as hunger, thirst, and passion stops the inflow of karma and protect the soul from the impurities of fresh karma.
The soul can prevent influx of new karma while facing the consequences of the current operative karma, if it can avoid atleast main four kasayas (passions) namely krodha, mana, maya, lobha out of eighteen referred earlier . Though, it is difficult to stay in equanimity, one can try to change a given situation. Making efforts is also karma and if that happens to give instant results, the situation may change.
One should learn the techniques given in the scriptures to prevent or minimise these four prime passions (kasayas). Developing an attitude of forgiveness, penance and repentance will reduce the anger. For annihilation of lobha (greed), develop a habit of helping others, and also try to understand that our gain is somebody’s loss. Humility and surrendering to God attitude definitely reduces our ego (man). Honesty is the best practice to take care of maya-kasaya. The main cause of these kasayas is fruitation of mohaniya karma.
One should avoid the sense of pride and arrogance in favourable circumstances and stop blaming anything or anybody else for unfavourable circumstances. Thus, staying free of kasayas is Samvara and it helps prevent the inflow of new karmas.
To attain Samvara, constant practice of following elements is required.
- Right belief;
- Observance of vows;
- Awareness;
- Passionlessness;
- Peacefulness of vibratory activities;
Jain literature explains 57 (5 Samitis +3 Guptis +10 Yatidharma +12 Bhavanas +22 Parisala +5 Caritra) practical ways to stop influx of karma as under: Uttaradhyayamsutra is one of the Mula sutras (fundamental principles) and the Jain scripture of direct utterances and last sermon by lord Mahavira before his nirvana and it describes the essence of Mahavira’s thoughts regarding social and spiritual life of man. In this holy literature, five samitis and three guptis are described in 24th chapter “Pravacan-mata” (mother of all discourses). These samitis and guptis are also described in Tattvarthasutra. Samitis are rules of conduct which ensures indulgence in the right or auspicious practices and guptis are avoiding misconduct or abstaining from indulgence in wrong or inauspicious practices.