Samvara, the 7th Navatattva (Arrest of Influx of Karma)

 

Samvara, the 7th Navatattva (Arrest of the Influx of Karma)

The seventh cardinal principle is Samvara. The methods by which the asrava or influx of karma is arrested are called samvara. In this way, samvara is opposite to asrava. Stoppage of the influx of karma is the first significant step in the process of liberation.  The other three steps which deals with karma are asrava (influx), bandha (bondage) and nirjara (release of karma). Samvara can be understood by comparing it with a boat in the sea of samsara or material world. If the boat has a hole in it, water will enter through the hole, fill the boat and the boat will sink. It is necessary to close the hole which stops the water from flowing inside the boat. Samvara is like closing the hole through which karma is entering the soul.

There are five types of samvara.

1.Samyakatva Samvara (Right faith) – Right faith consists of a firm conviction in the truth. Tranquility, desire for salvation, detachment, compassion and spiritual belief are the characteristics of right faith. It is possible to attain samyakatva in the fourth stage (gunasthana) of spiritual development.

2. Virati Samvara – It is the renunciation of sinful activities or internal craving. This is possible only partially in the fifth and higher stages (gunasthana) of spiritual development.

3. Apramada Samvara – It is having the awareness to fully engage and involve oneself in the activities of renunciation. This is possible at the seventh stage of spiritual development and persists in the higher stages.

4.Akasaya Samvara – Absence of passion i.e., anger, pride, deceit, greed etc. This is possible only at the thirteenth stage of spiritual development.

5.Ayoga Samvara – Absence of physical, mental and vocal activities stops the vibration of the air particles. This occurs in the fourteenth stage of spiritual development.

Stopping of influx of karma can be achieved by practicing the following steps:

1.Five Samiti – carefulness in daily routine such as, Irya samiti, Bhasa samiti, Esana samiti, Adananiksepana samiti and Utsarga samiti

2.Three Gupti – Control over mind, body and speech

3.Ten Dharma or duties of monks – Righteousness, performing good acts like forgiveness, humility, truthfulness and self-control. They are: Ksama, Mardava, Arjava, Nirlobhata, Tapa, Samyama, Satya, Saucha, Akinchinatva, Brahmacharya.

4.Twelve Bhavana or Anupreksha – Twelve great reflections always present in mind. They are: Anitya bhavana, Asarana b., Samsara b., Ekatva b., Anyatva b., Asaucha b., Asrava b., Samvara b., Nirjara b., Loka b., Bodhidurlabha b., Dharma b.

5.Twentytwo Parisahajaya – conquest over hardship, developing an unperturbed attitude in difficult circumstances They are: Ksudha parisaha, Trisa p., Sita p., Usna p., Damsa p., Vastra p., Arati p., Stri p., Carya p., Naisidhiki p., Sayya p., Akrosa p., Vadha p., Yanca p., Alabha p., Roga p., Trinasparsa p., Mela p., Satkara p., Prajna p., Ajnana p., Samyakatva p.

6.Five Charitra – Five rules of right conduct. They are: Samayika charitra, Chedopasthapaniya charitra, Pariharavisuddha charitra, Suksmasamparaya charitra, Yathakhyata charitra.

 Reference:

The Heart of Jainism by Mrs. Sinclair Stevenson, 1915, Oxford University Press.

Lord Mahavira, His Life and Doctrines by Puran Chand Samsookha,1957, Publisher Jain Swetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha, Kolkata.

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