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Sec. II] STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SOTRA
399 Having observed the austerity of Samlekhanā of one month by giving up food and drink, he began to purify his soul by meditation in an immobile state like a tree without wishing death. He studied eleven Angas in the presence of the other Sthaviras and observed śramaņahood for full twelve years. After making self-analysis and self-confession and repentance for his past faults in their presence, he embraced death by renouncing his body in Samadhi state (abstract meditation),
Thus this account of the practice of asceticism by Skandaka presents a vivid picture of the ascetic life of the Nirgrantha Inonks at that period.
SECOND SECTION
Religious Vows and Austerities
In addition to the religious vows and acts of austerities practised by Skandaka, the BhS makes mention of worship, various kinds of vows, external and internal austerities and rules prescribed by the Nirgrantha order for the Jain Srāvakas and Sramanas for the attainment of their spiritual realization. They are discussed below.
Ārādhanā (worship) .
Worship is one of the most essential factors for spiritual realization and liberation which can be attained jointly by right knowledge (jgāna) right attitude of mind (darśana) and moral conduct (cāritra). Knowledge is the revealer of truth, austerity is the purifier of soul and self-control is the restrainer of mind, speech and body. 8
1 Bhs, 2, 1, 95. 3 Ib, 8, 10, 355. 31b, 8, 10, 354 (comm.). The worship
and the vows Silavrata to Jagarikā are also observed by the householders,
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