p20234 Samana Philosophy and Doctrines

This lesson examines the basic tenets of Samana philosophy. Samana philosophy is founded on the nine tattvas or ‘nava pathartham’ which show the path to salvation. These are the 9 cardinal principles. They are ‘Jivan’, ‘Ajivan’, ‘Punyam’, ‘Papam’, ‘Asravam’, ‘Samvaram’, ‘Nirjaram’, ‘Bandham’ and ‘Moksham’. ‘Jiva’ refers to the souls and living things. Jiva is immutable, eternal and indestructible. It is not created by God. The jiva performs good and bad deeds and is thus caught in the cycle of karma. Jiva attains moksha or liberation when it overcomes this cycle. ‘Ajiva’ is that which has no soul or life. As ajiva has no life it does not accumulate karma and does not die. It is not created by god. Ajiva is classified into 5 categories. They are ‘Pudgalam’, ‘Dharmam’, ‘Adharmam’, ‘Kalam’ and ‘Ahayam’. All matter in the universe is called Pudgal. It has form, shape, colour, taste and smell and can be experienced through the 5 senses. ‘Dharmam’ denotes the medium of motion in the universe. In the absence of this medium the jiva or living things would not be able to move. ‘Adharmam’ signifies the medium of rest. ‘Dharmam’ and ‘Adharmam’ must not be confused with good deeds and bad deeds. ‘Kalam’ refers to time. It is classified into 2 types: small measurement of time and large measurement of time. ‘Ahayam’ is not sky, which is one of the 5 elements. It refers to space. ‘Punyam’ and ‘Papam’ denote the good deeds and bad deeds of the jiva. Good and Bad deeds (karma) spring from the jiva and is attached to the jiva. This influx of karma is called ‘Asrava’. The prevention or stoppage of the influx of karma is ‘Samvaram’ and the shedding of karma is ‘Nirjaram’. ‘Bandham’ signifies the bondage due to karma and ‘Moksham’ is liberation or salvation.

The symbol of the swastika is used to represent the quintessence of Samana philosophy. Samanam expounds 2 sets of ethics- ‘Savaga Dharmam’ and ‘Yathi Dharmam’. Savaga Dharmam former outlines the codes of conduct for the householder and the latter enunciates the codes of behaviour for the ascetics.

The Samana ascetics who strive for liberation follow 28 codes of conduct. The ascetics also practice 5 Mahavrattas or Vows. These are ‘ahimsai’, ‘vaimai’, ‘kallamai’, ‘bramhacharyam’ and ‘ava aruthal’. Ahimsai is non-injury to living beings. ‘Vaimai’ is the vow to always speak the truth. Not to covet another’s possessions is ‘kallamai’. ‘Brahmacharyam’ refers to a life of celibacy and ‘ava aruthal’ is the renunciation of all desires. Like the 5 Mahavrattas, Samanam also prescribes 5 Samitis. These are 5 principles of self- regulation. The samana ascetic is bound by 6 ‘avasyakam’. These are the six important daily duties that an ascetic should not neglect and has to follow 7 principles regarding the upkeep of his physical self.

Samana philosophy outlines 10 codes of conduct for the householders.