The Moral Codes of the Swaminarayanism and of the Jainism: A Comparative Study

Summary

111૯ Moral 6૦૮૯5 of the Swaminarayanism and of the Jainism : A Comparative Study N. M. Kansara Bhagavan Swaminarayan promulgated the Swaminarayan religion, and the Jain Tirthankatras established the Jairism. Both the religions have their own moral codes. A comparative study reveals a latent moral discipline underlying them. Although, the Swaminarayanism has the undying and well- established faith, is the belief that Shri Sahajananda Swami, the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, is the Supreme God, the highest and ultimate reality. The Jainism regards the twenty-four Tirthankaras as the founders and supporters of their faith. We are not concerned here of the latter factions and branches of both, viz., the Kalupur branch, the Vadtal branch, the Bochasanavasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS), and so on of the former faith, and the Shvetambar, the Digambar and others of the latter one. Bhagavan Swaminarayan has elaborately ordered his disciples, both the Sadhus and the householders in the Vedarasa to observe particular restrictions and codes of conduct in his instructions delivered to his followers in that unique instructive work. While drawing the attention to the importance of this letter, Maharaja writes : “11૧૯ thought that we write in this letter pertaining to the Brahma-Vidya, that thought is the secret essence of our heart, and it is also the essence of all the Upanishads.' (p.2). 10 this letter Maharaja nas clarified in great details about the Five Vows! (pancha-vartamana), and has ordered insistently for their firm implementation, and as its result shown the mastery of -the Brahma-bhava, Which 15 the final stage of the liberation. There remains the attachment to the five sense-objects in mind. The reason is that it has taken to the feeling of happiness in their enjoyment. But, Vol. XXXVII, 2014 The Moral Codes of the Swaminarayanism and of the Jainism : 61 as Maharaja says : 'Just 85 there does not occur 8 hole in the slab of a stone, similarly there is not the least hole in the form of happiness in the stone-slab of unhappiness.' (p.8) When the flow 10 the form of the pure thought, associated with detachment starts gliding then this attachment is removed from the mind, intellect and the heart. Money is the cause of much misdeed. So long as money is not acquired, ' [૧૯ qualities like peace of mind, self-control, and others reside in the person desiring liberation. Hence, Maharaja says : ' O Paramahansas