सागारधर्मामृत में वर्णित प्रतिमा : प्रयोग और प्रयोजन
Summary
The text discusses the concept of "Pratima" (stages) in Jainism as described in the text "Sagar Dharmamrit." It explains that human life has two main stages: householder (grihastha) and renunciant (sannyasi). A discerning householder who follows minor vows is called a Shravak (lay follower). Pratima refers to the progressive spiritual development stages for a Shravak, similar to academic grades. There are eleven Pratimas that a Shravak must follow sequentially for gradual spiritual growth. The eleven Pratimas are: 1. Darshan Pratima (right faith with eight fundamental virtues), 2. Vrat Pratima (observing five minor vows, three merit vows, and four disciplinary vows), 3. Samayik Pratima (performing equanimity practice at three times of day), 4. Proshadhopavas Pratima (fasting on specific days), 5. Sachitta Virat Pratima (avoiding raw vegetables and unboiled water), 6. Ratribhukti Tyag Pratima (abstaining from daytime sex and night eating), 7. Brahmacharya Pratima (complete celibacy), 8. Arambh Tyag Pratima (giving up all occupations), 9. Parigrah Tyag Pratima (renouncing property ownership), 10. Anumati Tyag Pratima (withdrawing from all worldly advice and consent), and 11. Udisht Tyag Pratima (avoiding food prepared specifically for oneself). The eleventh stage leads to near-renunciation, with two sub-categories: Kshullak (wearing a loincloth and a special cloth) and Ailak (wearing only a loincloth, performing hair plucking). Women can also follow these stages, becoming Shravika, and at advanced stages, Kshullika. The sequential practice is essential because it gradually breaks long-standing habits of sensual indulgence, making spiritual progress possible.
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Conclusion
The eleven pratimas outlined in the Sagar Dharmamrit provide a structured, sequential path for the spiritual evolution of the Jain householder (shravak). By progressing through these stages—from foundational right faith and vows to the ultimate renunciation of food prepared for oneself—the practitioner systematically overcomes deep-seated attachments and sensual habits. This gradual, step-by-step approach is deemed essential, as abrupt renunciation is often impractical. The framework culminates in the advanced stages of kshullak and ailak, marking a transition toward near-monastic life. Notably, this path is equally accessible to women (shravikas), who can also attain the kshullika stage. Ultimately, the pratima system offers a pragmatic and time-tested methodology for lay followers to methodically purify their conduct and consciousness, thereby moving steadily toward the final goal of liberation.