रत्नकरण्ड श्रावकाचार की पारिभाषिक शब्दावलि : प्रयोग और प्रयोजन
By डॉ. महेन्द्रसागर प्रचंडिया
Summary
The text discusses the "Ratnakaranda Shravakachara," a Jain text by Acharya Samantabhadra, born in Uragapura near Kanchipuram in the 2nd century CE. It serves as a moral constitution for laypeople (shravakas), outlining ethical conduct. The article focuses on seven technical terms (paribhashika shabda) used in the text: atichara, anuyoga, deva, pratima, vaiyavritya, sallekhana, and samayika. Atichara refers to transgressions or violations of vows. The text details 65 types of aticharas across various vows: five each for the five anuvratas (minor vows), gunavratas (qualitative vows), and shikshavratas (disciplinary vows), and five for sallekhana. Examples include cutting body parts, binding, beating, overloading, and withholding food for ahimsa; false teaching, breaking confidentiality, and writing false documents for satya; and receiving stolen goods, tax evasion, and adulteration for achorya. Anuyoga refers to the four divisions of Jain scriptures: Prathamanuyoga (biographies of great souls), Karananuyoga (cosmology and mathematics), Charananuyoga (conduct for monks and householders), and Dravyanuyoga (philosophy and principles like the seven tattvas). Deva in Jainism refers to the passionless, omniscient Arhats and Siddhas, who do not grant boons but inspire self-effort. Pratima denotes eleven stages of spiritual progress for householders, from Darshana Pratima (right faith) to Uddishtha Tyaga Pratima (renouncing food prepared for oneself). The text emphasizes the relevance of Ratnakaranda Shravakachara in addressing modern life's pollution and moral crises.
Conclusion
The analysis of *Ratnakaranda Shravakachara* reveals its enduring relevance as a moral constitution for householders, particularly in addressing contemporary life's multifaceted pollutions and disorders. The detailed examination of seven key terms—aticara, anuyoga, deva, pratima, vaiyavritya, sallekhana, and samayika—demonstrates how this text provides a structured ethical framework. The sixty-five types of aticara (transgressions) across various vows highlight the text's practical guidance for maintaining spiritual discipline. The four anuyogas offer a comprehensive system for scriptural study, while the eleven pratimas outline progressive stages of spiritual development. This study underscores that these technical terms, though now specialized, remain essential for understanding and applying Jain householder ethics. The text's emphasis on self-effort over divine intervention, particularly in its concept of deva, offers a distinctive approach to spiritual practice that remains relevant for addressing modern ethical challenges and personal