Question

Which of the following are included in the "Six Daily Essentials" (Shadavashyakas) for a Jain monk?
A. Stavanam
B. Puja
C. Pratikramanam
D. Tirthavandana
E. Kayotsargam

• A. Only A, B, D
• B. Only A, C, E
• C. Only B, D, E
• D. Only B, C, D

Hint:

Always distinguish between Lay Essentials (Devapuja, Gurupasasti...) and Monk Essentials (Samayika, Stava...). Laypeople do physical worship (Puja); monks do purely mental/meditative worship.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A Jain monk's day is structured around six mandatory spiritual practices known as the Shadavashyakas. These are "essentials" because they are necessary for the maintenance of vows and the purification of the soul.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The six essentials for a monk (Muni) are:
1. Samayika: Remaining in a state of perfect equanimity and soul-contemplation.
2. Stavana (A): Also called Chaturvimshati-stava. It is the praising of the 24 Tirthankaras to develop devotion and humility.
3. Vandana: Respectful bowing and paying homage to the master (Guru).
4. Pratikramana (C): The process of introspection and repentance for any small or large transgressions committed during the day.
5. Pratyakhyana: Formally vowing to avoid specific foods, activities, or mental distractions for a set period.
6. Kayotsarga (E): Renouncing the attachment to the body by standing or sitting still like a statue while meditating.
7. Why B and D are excluded:
- Puja (B): Ritualistic worship with materials (water, flowers, etc.) is a practice for laypeople (Shravakas), not for monks who have renounced all possessions and activities involving the destruction of plant life.
- Tirthavandana (D): While monks do visit pilgrimages, "formal ritualized pilgrimage duty" is more of a householder's religious activity (Dharma) than one of the "Six Essentials" of daily ascetic life.
Thus, A, C, and E are the correct monastic essentials.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The monastic essentials are Stavana, Pratikramana, and Kayotsarga.