Reality English Translation of Sarvarthasiddhi

SR No.: 001197
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S A Jain
Publisher: Jwalamalini Trust Chennai
Publication Year: 1992
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, Tattvartha Sutra, Tattvartha Sutra, & Tattvarth
File Size: 20 MB

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FASTING, LIMITING POSSESSIONS, BTO.. fasting. It means giving up the four kinds of food. Proşadhe upavāsa is proşadhopavāsa, that is fasting on the eighth and fourteenth days of the lunar cycle. The fasting householder discards bodily adornments such as bath, perfume, garlands and ornaments, and spends his time in a sacred place like the abode of a saint or a temple or in his lonely fasting apartment, contemplating on pure thoughts by listening to or making others listen to the scriptures and refraining from injury. .
Consumable things are food, drink, perfume, garlands of flowers and so on, which can be enjoyed only once. Garments, clothing, ornaments, beds, chairs, houses, carriages, horses and so on, are non-consumable things, as these can be enjoyed again and again. A limit is placed on these possessions by the householder. The householder who desires to avoid gross injury must always abstain from honey, meat and wine. He must also renounce flowers like jasmine and white lotus, ginger, roots, etc., which are the seats of infinite organisms and which are fit to be called infinite-bodied. Very little advantage is derived from these, in spite of considerable injury caused. With regard to carriages, horses and ornaments and decora- tions, one must decide what is essential and what is super
fluous. And he must renounce the superfluous for a period or for lifetime according to his capacity. He, who moves from place to place without transgressing his self-control is called a guest (atithi). Or he, who comes on any day without any regularity or definiteness, is a guest. Four things are offered to the guest-food, implements, medicine and shelter. Pure food must be offered by the householder with a pure heart to the ascetic on the path to emancipation, who is earnest in practising restraint and discipline. Implements such as books which promote right faith and so on must be presented to him. Wholesome and proper medicine must be given to him. Shelter also must be provided for the ascetic with great devotion. The term 'ca' at the end of the sutra is intended to include the householder's duty mentioned next.
The five senses turn away from their pleasures of touch etc. and repose in the self in deep concentration during fasting.