“Samayak” (more correctly “Samayik / Sāmāyika”) is a very important Jain practice.
In simple words:
Meaning:
Samayik means staying in a state of samata – equanimity, balance, and peace of mind.
In Samayik we try to remain free from raag (attachment) and dvesh (hatred) for a fixed time.
What is done:
- Sit quietly in a steady posture.
- Control body, speech and mind.
- Do prayers, sutras, or silent meditation.
- Try to see all beings with friendliness, without anger, pride, greed or deceit.
Time / Duration:
Traditionally it is done for about one antara-muhurta (around 48 minutes).
Who should do it:
It is one of the six avashyak (essential duties) for both monks and laypeople in Jain Dharma.
Purpose / Benefit:
- To stop new karmas from binding.
- To calm the mind and develop equanimity.
- To move gradually towards the path of liberation.
Digambar & Shwetambar:
- Both accept Samayik as a basic and very important practice.
- The core idea (equanimity, 48 minutes, control of mind–speech–body) is the same.
- Some external procedures (postures, specific sutras, dress etc.) may differ by sect and local tradition.
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