Philosophy In Jain Agams: Viryācāra: (Conduct qua Spiritual Energy)

Vīrya means energy. The spiritual practitioner should not hide his energy. Lord Mahavira has said- 'ṇo ṇihejja vīriyaṃ^[1]’ , which means do not conceal your energy. Its use is required in the field of spiritual practice. The use of one's functional energy in the practice of knowledge, faith, conduct and penance is called conduct qua energy.^[2] It has been said in Dasavekālika niryukti, that the use of one's functional energy in the practice of knowledge, faith, conduct and penance without concealing one's power of exertion, is called conduct-qua- energy.^[3] There are thirty six types of conduct-qua-energy. By adding all the sub-types of knowledge, faith, conduct and penance, it comes to the number thirty six which together they present the subtypes of conduct qua energy. In this reference, it is noteworthy that in the absence of energy, knowledge etc. can not be practiced. There is a destruction-cum-subsidence of knowledge-obscuring-karma, but if there is no destruction-cum-subsidence of hindrance producing karmas, then the destruction-cum-subsidence of knowledge-obscuring-karma can not become useful. It can only be beneficial when the destruction-cum-subsidence of obstructing karmas also simultaneously goes with it. Therefore, all types of destruction-cum-subsidence can work only when there is an assistance of destruction-cum-subsidence of obstructing karmas. Thus, the destruction-cum-subsidence of obstructing karmas is very important. Energy is obtained from the destruction-cum-subsidence of obstructing karmas. The conduct qua energy means to use the acquired energy for spiritual upliftment. One who does not use the acquired power and becomes lazy, is treated as a failure in practicing the conduct qua energy. As a result of his failure, he can not achieve his desired goals. One, who does not waste the energy, performs conduct qua energy in the right manner. Power utilised in the practice of meditation, scriptural study and penance etc. leads a practitioner towards a higher status of spirituality. Spiritual practice has different forms. A brief introduction is given here.