This false identification has however
been continuing from embodiment to embodiment and constitutes the basic
ignorance of soul that leads it to delusion about itself. This delusion
causes the wrong perception leading the conscious entity to believe that
‘I am the body and my happiness consists of the comforts and well being of
the body’. All the activities of worldly souls therefore stay tuned to
pursuits of material happiness and physical comforts. This wrong
perception has to be erased by attaining th e right perception which is
also known as Samyagdarshan. The right perception enables us to
distinguish right from the wrong and leads us to the path of true well
being. Thus right perception or Samyagdarshan is the basic means for
achieving Nirjara.
Another factor responsible for
acquiring bondage of Karma is lust for sensuous pleasure. It can also be
expressed as absence of restraint. It has however been observed that once
a person gains right perception, his approach to life undergoes radical
chan ge. He is no longer inclined to lead unrestrained life. His new
perception would not allow him to do so. Slowly and steadily, restraint
would become a part of his nature and he can afford to take vow for
observing the same. This is known as Vrata. There a re five main Vratas
that have been laid down for the aspirants. For persons who have renounced
the worldly life, they are to be observed to the fullest extent and are
therefore called Mahavratas. For laymen it is not practicable to observe
them to that ex tent. They are therefore supposed to observe them in
modified form, that are known as Anuvratas. Of all these Anuvratas
observance of non-violence is the supreme Vrata. In a way it is the
essence of Jainism. Other Vratas lie inherent in observance of non-
violence. In order to make the observance of these Anuvratas more
effective, seven more Vratas have been laid down as supplementary
restraints. Three of them are known as Gunavratas and four others have
been laid down as disciplinary restraints which are known as Shikshavratas.
Following is the list of these 12 Vratas.
1) Observing nonviolence to utmost
possible extent
2) Practising truthfulness and
avoiding major lies
3) Avoiding theft, burglary,
smuggling, cheating etc.
4) Staying contented with married
spouse
5) Laying down limits on possessions
6) Restricting the areas of operations
7) Restrictions on consumption and
avoiding avocations involving too much violence.
8) Avoiding purposeless activities
9) Practising Samayik for gaining
equanimity
10) Restricting activities within a
limited area.
11) Observing Paushadh or practising
life of a monk
12) Serving the monks and worthy
entities and helping the persons in need
With right perception, the aspirant
also begins to realize that the favorable or unfavorable situations in
life are obtained as a result of the past Karmas. He therefore tries to
avoid reacting to any given situation with craving or aversion. Thereby he
g ains increasing degree of equanimity and tries to remain unperturbed
even in adverse circumstances. That way he starts overcoming defilements.
He also makes out that the life span
being limited, he cannot afford to waste any time and should diligently
pursue his objective of Self realization. He tries to remain alert to an
increasing extent and overcomes all types of indolence. Thus restraint,
equanimity and alertness are more or less like corollaries of right
perception and invariably follow it, if the person does not lose that
perception. Right perception can therefore be called the panacea for
gaining Nirjara.
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