Friends often we hear the word |"Sayam" in Jainism's terminology. Gurudeo beautifully explained it in his question and answer session. Devotee asked "Sir what is meant by Sayam. Can only the Jain monk can practice it. Why practicing it enable getting Deologa in next life and not Moksha Here is the brief coverage of Gurudeo's explanation.
"Devanupriya, really it is nice to hear such questions. It shows your willingness to walk on the salvation path. "Sayam " simply means to controlling five organ and mind. It is not necessary that only Sadhuji can practice it. Shrawak or even a non Jain can do it easily. Since our Sadhuji have left domestic life and live hood issues they are in much better position and more time to be in "Sayam".A soul marches to the Sayam in stages. First he hears Jinwani then he study it and gets the expert knowledge. As a result he gets to know the value of taking the Pachkhans. With such control he gains "Nirjara -cutting bad Karmas. He control his needs and lead a simple life controlling his organs and mind. Organs ear, nose ,eyes, touch are comparatively easy to control but taste and mind are much more difficult. Main reason behind it is that from childhood we were bought up in a comfortable life style by parent. Specially we develop taste and liking for eatables and drinks.It's a irony that for taste of tongue some people even turn to the other than vegetarian food. A survey in this regard give shocking results. A increase in Jainism knowledge will slowly change the current scene. Secondly mind is a free "Pran tool knowing no boundaries as the air. To control them Mahaveerswami advised fast and Dyan. "Aayambil Tap- allow the Shrawaks tasteless food avoiding 5 Vigaya. Secondly Samaik, Pratikaman and Poshad engagements help to control mind.
Engagement in religious activity can help to control organ and mind.
Bhagwan Mahaveerswami prescribed 5 Samiti and 3 Gupti to" Jain" monks to ensure "Sayam" of all actions, mind and organs. As such if you are walking on road keeping eye open to care for small insects it is a Sayam of eye, Kaya and mind. It ensure 1st Vrata non-violence. Hence Jain Sadhuji never move after sunset beyond compound of a Mandir or Stanak. except urinal like needs. In rainy season as we all know that it is must for them to stay at one Chaturmas place for the entire period of four months. It is all specified to maintain "Sayam". Silence keeping is also a very good tool of Sayam to control tongue.
In nine Tatvas Bhagwan said Sanwar is the closing doors of sins and Aashrav is opening these door. Sayam can be gained by Sanwar vow. Sayam help soul to keep away from 18 sins and 4 Kashay. Soul must keep away from " Kaam -Bhog" to maximum to ensure Sayam. Our ears and eyes invites Kaam in form of words and beauty. Balance 3 organ are tools to invite Bhog in form of smell, taste and touch. Thus avoiding five Kaam Bhog can help to limit birth cycles for our souls.
In 25 Bol we get 5 organ's 24 coverage and 240 Vikars. If one knows the coverage he can gets more help to control organs and it's demand
Now let me turn to your second question. Why Sayam help to get a birth in Deologa and not directly to Moksha. Sayama is of two kind. One is Sarag Sayam and second is Vitraag Sayam. Sarag mean soul with love, hate and affection. Even up to sixth stage of Sadhuji ,soul fails to give up "Raag-Dwesh".From seventh onward stages the soul march towards flawless stages. Hence seventh is called "Apra-Matta. Unless soul win over "Rag-Dwesh with Sayam there is no salvation. In 29th and 30th chapter- Samkit and Tap- Mahaveer Bhagwan used word "Indriya- Pratisalinta" and "Indriya-Nigraha" for control over all organs. Pachkhan helps a Shrawak to become "Deshvirati".Monks are "Sarva-Virati" as from taking Diksha they are in Samaik 24x7.I hope you all will know the benefits of Sayam and make a slow start.
Organ and mind are too fickle. As a rider control horse by neck belt Pachkhan and Sayam help us. Soon you can see how the controlled organs bring change and take you to a advanced stage of salvation path".Jinwani is always open to guide you. Do not form a habit to fulfill all demands of body. At last all born one has to die .Better to live at all possible simplicity and execution. In 18 sins 6 each sin is being done by Man, Vachan and Kaaya. 2,12,13,14,15 and 17 are for Vachan. Sayam can ensure distance from all sins. In 25 bol 9 Tatva 1 can get twenty Sayam practices. They are Samkit, Pachkhan. giving up Kashay, Pramad A-Shubhav(5), Follwing 5 Mahavrata, 5 organ and mind ,speech and body control (8) and taking all things with a almost care (2).In all total 20.These are designed to stop 18 sins. Whatever is possible to your ability do them "Gurudeo concluded. JAI JINENDRA----------!!!---------JAI MAHAVEER------------!!!.