In the following article, we will explore in detail the impact of Pratima (Jainism) on today's society. Since its appearance, Pratima (Jainism) has generated controversy and debate, attracting the attention of experts and people of all ages and interests. Over the years, Pratima (Jainism) has proven to have a significant impact on various aspects of everyday life, from the way we communicate to the way we consume information. In this article, we will discuss how Pratima (Jainism) has shaped our culture, influenced our decisions, and challenged our perceptions, as well as the possible future implications of its presence in our society.
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In Jainism, Pratima (Sanskrit: प्रतिमा) is a step or a stage marking the spiritual rise of a lay person (shravak). There are eleven such steps called pratima. After passing the eleven steps, one is no longer a sravaka, but a muni (monk).
Rules prescribed for laymen are divided into twelve vrata (vows) and eleven pratimas (steps) and are described in several codes of conduct (shravakacharas).
The pratimas are mentioned in several ancient texts like Ratnakaranda Shravakachara (2nd century A.D.).
The twelve vows are:
Head | Vow | Meaning |
---|---|---|
Five vows |
1. ahiṃsā | Not to hurt any living being by actions and thoughts |
2. satya | Not to lie or speak what is not commendable. | |
3. asteya | Not to take anything if not given. | |
4. brahmacharya | Chastity / Celibacy in action, words and thoughts | |
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession) | Detachment from material property. | |
Guņa vratas |
6. digvrata | Restriction on movement with regard to directions. |
7. bhogopabhogaparimana | Vow of limiting consumable and non-consumable things | |
8. anartha-dandaviramana | Refraining from harmful occupations and activities (purposeless sins). | |
Śikşā vratas |
9. samayika | Vow to meditate and concentrate periodically. |
10. desavrata | Limiting movement to certain places for a fixed period of time. | |
11. upvas | Fasting at regular intervals. | |
12. atihti samvibhag | Vow of offering food to the ascetic and needy people |
The eleven stages (pratima) are:
Ashadhara in his Sagara-Dharmammrata (13th century) has groups the 11 steps into three ranks.
Those who have ascended to the eleventh pratima are termed Kshullaka (with two articles of clothing) and Ailaka (with only one piece of cloth) in the Digambara tradition. The eleventh pratima is termed Shramanabhuta Pratima (being almost like a Shramana) in the Svetambara tradition. The next step is that of a full Jain Muni.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.