From Sacred Jainism Scripture “Uttaradhyayana” – Lecture 20, Part 2 of 2

In today’s episode, the Saint goes on to describe how virtuous living is part of the true protection of the spiritual path.

“‘My own Self is the river Vaitarani, my own Self the Salmali tree; my own Self is the miraculous cow Kamaduh, my own Self the park Nandana.’ ‘My own Self is the doer and undoer of misery and happiness; my own Self, friend and foe, accordingly as I act well or badly.’

‘If an ordained monk, through carelessness, does not strictly keep the great vows, if he does not restrain himself, but desires pleasure, then his fetters will not be completely cut off.’ ‘One who does not pay constant attention to his walking, his speaking, his begging, his receiving and keeping (of things necessary for a monk), and his easing nature, does not follow the road trod by the Lord.’

‘The sinner, always wretched, goes from darkness to darkness, to utter misery; the unholy man who breaks the rules of monks, rushes, as it were, to hell, and to be born again as a brute.’

‘In vain he adopts nakedness, who errs about matters of paramount interest; neither this world nor the next will be his; he is a loser in both respects in the world.’ ‘Thus the self-willed sinner who leaves the road of the highest Ginas (Arihants), who with the appetite of an osprey is desirous of pleasure, will grieve in useless sorrow.’

‘He who possesses virtuous conduct and life, who has practiced the best self-control, who keeps from sinful influences, and who has destroyed his karma, will reach (in the end) the greatest, best, and permanent place (namely mukti [enlightenment]).’”

“‘You have made the best use of human birth, you have made a true gain, O great sage, you are a protector (of mankind at large) and of your relations, for you have entered the path of the best Ginas (Arihants).’ ‘You are the protector of all unprotected beings, O ascetic; I ask you to forgive me: I desire you to put me right.’

And the other, rich in virtues, protected by the three Guptis (restraints), and abstaining from injuring (living beings) in the three ways (namely by thought, words, and acts), travelled about on the earth, free like a bird, and exempt from delusion. Thus I say.”