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A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
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way, the ātman withdraws itself from the external objects and concentrates on its own nature. Through Dhyāna, karma is destroyed, just as in fire, pieces of wood are burnt away. VYUTSARGA (GIVING UP THROUGH NON-ATTACHMENT)
Vyutsarga has two elements—vi' which means specific and 'utsarga' which means giving up, or renunciation. Vyutsarga, therefore, means' giving up or renunciation in a specific way.
Ācārya Akalanka says that vyutsarga may be referred as renunciation, non-attachment, fearlessness and giving up of hunger and thirst for things of the world. For the sake of self realisation and for the sake of righteousness, vyutsarga aims at self-denial and renunciation.
Vyutsarga is of four types, like-(1) Gana Vyutsarga (renunciation of group), (2) Sarira Vyutsarga (mortification of the body), (3) Upadhi Vyutsarga (giving up of the things connected with activities) and (4) Bhakta-pāna Vyutsarga (giving up of food and drink)
Śarīra Vyutsarga is considered to be Kāyotsarga. It refers to the affliction through the body. The seeker after self-realisation practises prāyaścitta for all the ills that he has done. He gives up attachment for the body and resolves to by free from all faults. With this firm resolution and with a repentent heart the weight of the karma becomes lighter. The stream of auspicious concentration of mind flows freely. It gives peace and tranquility. The ātman enjoys the pure bliss.
In the practice of kāyotsarga, it is possible to have all forms of difficulties and obstructions from the gods, from men and from the lower animals too. But one who is engaged in the practice of Dhyāna accepts these troubles with equanimity of mind and by this process the kāyotsarga gets purified. 3
Kāyotsarga is a routine procedure of everyday, and it is absolutely necessary for everyone to practise. In this, every moment, the mental preparation for kāyotsarga goes on. Bhagavāna Mahāvīra
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Tattvārtha-rājavartika 9, 26, 10 Bhagavatī sūtra 25, 7 Āvaśyakaniryukti 1549
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