English Translation (Blog Format):
“Words are few, but the emotions and meanings they carry are infinite.”
This eternal truth forms the foundation of the Gaagar Maa Saagar series. Even the smallest visual can hold boundless spiritual wisdom. Episode 59 highlights the core duties every Shravak (layman) and Shravika (laywoman) in the Jain tradition should observe.
For the past 58 days, I have humbly attempted to present Jain philosophy in a scientific and accessible manner. If these efforts have touched your hearts, the credit goes entirely to the spiritual masters—Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and learned monks—whose teachings and insights have paved the way.
Let us now delve into the golden rules of Jain living, which, when followed diligently, can elevate our lives both materially and spiritually.
Golden Rules for Every Jain
1. No Wastage of Time / No Laziness
- Laziness destroys not just an individual’s progress, but affects family, society, and the nation.
- Be energetic. Have a personal timetable:
- Daily schedule: Plan your next day in advance.
- Night schedule: Even plan what you will do at night.
- Fortnightly (Pakshik) schedule: Plan for the lunar phases.
- Seasonal (Chaturmas): Plan your spiritual practices during monsoon, winter, and summer.
- Yearly (Samvatsari): Have a yearly spiritual plan.
2. Renounce All Addictions
- One must not be addicted to anything—not even food items like roti or rice.
- A true Jain lives with the mindset of “I can live without anything”—a state of non-attachment.
- Avoid phrases like “I can’t” — instead say “I will try.”
3. Six Daily Duties
These are the spiritual essentials of a Jain’s day-to-day life:
- Dev-Guru-Dharma Veneration: Morning prayers and salutations to the divine, teachers, and the Dharma.
- Vrat / Pacha-Kkhan: Practice self-discipline through fasting and vows. This tests your willpower.
- Samvar: Stop all negative karma-inducing actions—non-violence, truth, no stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment.
- Samayik: Engage in meditation and self-reflection.
- Poshadha: Live like a monk/nun at home periodically—practice detachment and spiritual restraint.
- Renunciation and Santhara: Gradual detachment leading to the final vow of Santhara (spiritual death).
4. Daily Responsibilities
A Jain should:
- Avoid nighttime meals
- Practice Navkarsi (fast until 48 minutes after sunrise)
- Keep positive intentions (Pranidhan)
- Offer daily Stuti (devotional praises)
- Show reverence (Vinay) to spiritual teachers
- Do Swadhyaya (study Jain scriptures)
- Show compassion (Anukampa)—helping animals, widows, elders
- Practice Atithi Samvibhag—offering food and support to monks/nuns
- Engage in daily introspection
5. Pakshik (Fortnightly) Observances
- Continue the above duties
- Add Shrut Bhakti – devotion to scriptures
- Observe Navpad Pratima (nine stages of spiritual upliftment)
- Practice Brahmacharya (celibacy)
6. Chaturmas (Monsoon Period) Duties
- Focus intensively on scriptural study and Ayambil fasts
- Increase spiritual activities while monks are stationed
7. Samvatsari (Annual Reflection)
- The most sacred day for introspection and forgiveness.
- Engage in Chaumasi Pakshik Upvas, Pratikraman (reflection), Alochana (confession), Prayashchit (atonement)
- Spread Dharm Prabhavna – promote Jain values
- Ask forgiveness and forgive others (Kshamapana)
Conclusion
A Jain householder must align their life through five types of schedules:
- Daily
- Nightly
- Fortnightly
- Seasonal (Chaturmas)
- Yearly (Samvatsari)
Each moment should be filled with awareness, spiritual practice, compassion, and non-attachment. By faithfully following these duties, one can truly make the most of the human birth and pave the way to liberation through self-discipline and purity.
Let the soul rise above material desires and walk the sacred path of Jain Dharma — for it is the truest expression of living with purpose.