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## The Nature of the Emotions of the Great Vows
**Yoga Shastra, First Light, Verses 25-26**
Even though it is composed of specific material with characteristics of substance, field, time, and emotion, the mind that is free from the affliction of the black serpent of craving, experiences the attainment of peace and happiness, and in it, there is complete stability. For this reason, the ascetics who observe the religious observances are described as being in the category of non-possessors, as they do not have attachment to their bodies and instruments. It is also said:
> "Just as a horse, even when adorned with ornaments, does not have attachment to them, similarly, a Nirgrantha muni, even when possessing some things as religious observances, does not have attachment to them." (Prashma 141)
Just as a muni does not incur blame by observing religious observances while in a state of unconsciousness, similarly, Nirgrantha sadhvis, who are devoted to the three jewels, also do not incur the blame of possession by observing religious observances without attachment, as per the instructions of their guru. Therefore, the statement of those who say, "For Nirgrantha sadhvis, religious observances are in the form of possession, and because of possessing, women do not attain liberation," is mere pralāpa (idle talk). ||24||
Now, the glory of the five emotions (which are helpful in attaining liberation) of each great vow is explained. ||25||
> "By the five emotions, the five great vows are imbued (animated), who cannot attain the imperishable (liberation) state?" ||25||
Meaning: Those who practice these great vows with their emotions, surely attain the state of liberation. ||25||
Now, the five emotions of the first great vow are explained:
> "The wise should cultivate the vow of non-violence with the five emotions of mental restraint, restraint in seeking, restraint in taking and placing containers, restraint in movement, and the taking of food and water after seeing." ||26||
Meaning: The wise ascetic should strengthen the vow of non-violence with these five emotions: mental restraint, restraint in seeking (food, water, etc.), restraint in taking and placing containers (for food, water, etc.), restraint in movement, and taking food and water after seeing (it). ||26||
**Explanation:**
1. The characteristics of the first emotion, mental restraint, will be explained later.
2. Restraint in seeking is to take only that food, water, or clothing, etc., which does not cause suffering to any living being.
3. Restraint in taking and placing containers is to take and place instruments like feet, foot-rests, clothing, containers, etc., in such a way that they do not cause harm to any living being.
4. Restraint in movement is to move with care, keeping one's gaze downwards while walking, so as not to harm any living being.
5. The emotion of taking food and water after seeing is to take food and water after seeing it, and even when taking food based on signs, to maintain the emotion of non-violence, so as not to harm ants, worms, etc.
Here, restraint and restraint in seeking are to be understood as the emotional form of the great vow. The three restraints, etc., will be explained in detail in this text later, so they can also be understood as secondary qualities.
It is also said: "Purity of the body, five restraints, emotions, two types of austerities, images, and non-possession are the divisions of secondary qualities." (Ni. Bha. 6534)
Now, see the emotion of mental restraint. All violence first arises in the mind. That is, mental activity is paramount in violence. It is heard that King-Sage Prasannachadra did not cultivate the emotion of mental restraint in the great vow of non-violence, and therefore, even though he did not commit violence externally, he once accumulated the karma-bundle worthy of the seventh hell. Restraint in seeking, restraint in taking and placing containers, and restraint in movement are very beneficial for the great vow of non-violence. Therefore, one should cultivate the inner mind with these emotions. The emotion of taking food and water after seeing (and the renunciation of food and water, including insects, etc., with this emotion) is also beneficial for the great vow of non-violence. Thus, the description of the five emotions of the great vow of non-violence is complete. ||26||
Now, see the five emotions of the second great vow...
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