Limits and Restraints
The Jineshwar has given some beautiful precepts to
enable people to pursue the path of spiritual attainment even while living
in the mundane world. By observing those principles, not only the
individual but also the family, the society and the nation can attain
radiance. Of those principles, Samiti and Gupti are of great importance.
Of course, those principles relate to a life of spiritual attainment or
the life of an ascetic but if we bear in mind those principles, while we
are engaged in our daily activities, surely, we can live a wholesome life.
The Five Samitis
The five limits
Samiti means living by exercising a restraint or
discipline over the propensities and actions that are essential to lead
our lives.
1. Irya-samiti - Limit in movement
Moving about; going somewhere and returning with an
absolute care and circumspection so that no harm or violence is done
to any Jiva; so that no trouble or pain is caused even to any small
creature by our movements.
2. Bhasha-samiti- Limit in speech
Not uttering anything that is disagreeable to
anyone or that pains the heart of anyone; but speaking such words as
please others at least a little; speaking the truth in a sweet and
soft manner. Speech indicates the mind.
3. Eshana-samiti- Limit of articles
Eating faultless and prescribed kinds of food; and
using only faultless and prescribed kinds of dress and vessels ( This
specially applies to the life of a Sadhu).
4. Adan-nikshepan Samiti Limit in respect of
receiving and keeping the necessary things.
Being careful in receiving and keeping the things
that are necessary for existence; taking care not to cause violence to
creatures.
5. Parishtapanika Samiti Limit in respect of throwing
away articles.
Taking care not to cause harassment or violence to
anyone in throwing out or taking out things; and taking care to see
that no creature is harmed or troubled by such actions.
The Three Guptis
Restraints
Gupti means restraining or concealing. The inner
meaning of this Gupti is to keep off the inauspicious and impure
propensities and actions of the mind, voice and body and to have pure and
auspicious propensities and to act according to them.
1. Manogupti- Restraint of the mind
Not entertaining evil thoughts; and endeavoring to
free the mind from sinful propensities and to impel it to think of the
progress of the soul.
2. Vachan Gupti- Restraint on speech
Not uttering any evil or disagreeable things; not
speaking unnecessarily; practising silence, being silent and not
giving any reply in anger
3. Kaya Gupti- Restraint on the body
Giving up such actions of the body as making
unnecessary movements; unnecessarily sitting down and getting up;
wandering about; walking about wastefully etc.; but then sitting quiet
and motionless in meditation contemplating on the soul.
