Answer

The 35 virtues of Mārgānusārī mean the qualities of a person who is following the right spiritual path and is becoming fit for Jain Dharma.

In Jain tradition, a Mārgānusārī person is one whose conduct is moving in the direction of samyag darshan, samyag jñān, and samyag chāritra.

35 Virtues of Mārgānusārī

The commonly explained virtues include:

• Humility
• Respect for elders and noble people
• Faith in Dharma
• Compassion toward living beings
• Non-violence in thought, speech, and action
• Truthfulness
• Honesty
• Control over anger
• Control over greed
• Control over pride
• Control over deceit
• Forgiveness
• Simplicity
• Purity of intention
• Gratitude
• Gentleness in speech
• Good manners
• Respect for teachers and sādhus-sādhvīs
• Interest in listening to Dharma
• Desire to understand right and wrong
• Avoiding bad company
• Keeping good company
• Helping others without selfishness
• Patience
• Discipline
• Modesty
• Clean and ethical livelihood
• Carefulness in daily actions
• Avoiding unnecessary harm to living beings
• Contentment
• Detachment from excessive worldly pleasures
• Respect for vows and restraints
• Readiness to correct one’s mistakes
• Devotion toward Arihant, Siddha, Guru, and Dharma
• Sincere effort toward spiritual progress

Explanation

The word Mārgānusārī means:

• Mārga = path
• Anusārī = one who follows

So, a Mārgānusārī is one who follows the path that leads toward spiritual purity and liberation.

These virtues prepare a person to become a true Jain śrāvaka or śrāvikā by developing:

• right faith,
• right understanding,
• self-control,
• compassion,
• and purity of conduct.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, spiritual progress does not begin only with rituals. It begins with inner qualities.

A person may perform many religious activities, but without humility, compassion, truthfulness, and self-control, Dharma does not become deep within the soul.

The 35 virtues of Mārgānusārī help a person move from ordinary worldly living toward the path of moksha.

Takeaway

A Mārgānusārī is one who sincerely follows the path of Dharma. The 35 virtues are not just rules; they are qualities that purify the soul and prepare it for higher spiritual progress.