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3hagwan Mahavir ]
[ 579
of oneself, one's family of ones community, is not prohibited. This is true that advanced Shrawaka gives this up also. But it is not binding on Shrawakas of ordinary grade.
(9) Samayik Vrata:
To isolate the soul for a time from all influences of the world and to keep it centred in equanimity is called Samayik Vrata.
A Shrawaka follows this Vrata with two "Karanas" and there "Yogas". This is daily duty of a Shrawaka. This is of utmost importance in purifying the soul.
(10) Desha wa-Kashik Vrata:
To narrow down daily the limit set in the 6th Vrata about the directions the Shrawaka takes a vow in the morning that he would go to a particular point only that daysay a river, a mountain, a field, a tree or a town etc., and will go no further, nor would keep any connection with any point further away. This is called Desha wa-Kashik Vrata. This helps in limiting the inclinations of the mind and the all-embracing greed is briddled.
(11) Pratipurna Poushadha Vrata:
[Fasting ]
To abstain from all food and drink for twenty four hours and to pass the period in meditation is called Prati purna Poushadha Vrata.The description of Shra wakas in holy books tells us that in ancient times the Shrawakas used to have a separate place for meditation in their own houses. This has become obsolete now and the Shrawakas go to Upashraya a separate public house for meditation. Poushadha Vrata is kept every eighth, fourteenth, the 15th or the 30th of the month. It can be kept at any other time also.
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