________________
31
(5) Meditation,
(6) Non-attachment. Que. 5 : Which austerity deserves special
attention ? Ans. : All austerities are useful and beneficial, but
in present times, special attention should be given to swadhyaya (scriptural studies); because its utility is maximum and the incidental distress minimum. By practising this austerity, the knowledge about the soul, the bondge, the path of salvation, emancipaiton, the edible and the non-edible, and the discrimination betweean the Real and the Unrealis doubtlessly accomplished. This in turn, makes the treading of the path easy. In view of all these advantages, the ancient preceptors have considered this to be the best form of austerity for the present era and have recommended it for both, the
householders and the ascetics. Que. 6 : Shoud we practise other forms of
austerities? Ans. : All asusterities are useful indeed. They
should be practised as per one's ability. However, no energy should be spared in practising them. Among all austerites, the internal ones are more important, while the external ones enhance their value. The internal ones are directly related to the thought-process and hence are more uselul in purification of the soul. Liberation is
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org.
