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[ 247 ] faiyifa 378
सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
Once I had severe pain in the eye. My father lavishly spent money on my treatment. Many physicians and experts of mantra and tantra (faith healers) gave the best of treatments; but they all failed to give me relief from the pain. My mother and wife shed tears. My younger brothers, sisters, friends and other well-wishers sincerely took my care but the agony could not even be reduced.
O king! That was my state of being unguarded.
Then one night I resolved on my own-'If the pain in my eye is completely cured, I will become an ascetic.' That night I slept comfortably. When I got up in the morning there was no pain in my eyes. I became an ascetic.
After the story ascetic Anaathi added-Simply donning ascetic garb does not make you guarded. In fact the ascetics who are maligned with feelings of attachment, aversion, mundane pleasures and comforts, are also unguarded.
Only those ascetics who are steadfast in faultless ascetic-conduct are truly guarded.
King Shrenik understood the real meaning of guarded and unguarded and accepted righteousness.
The language of this chapter is powerful, interesting and inspiring. It is enriched with maxims and metaphors. This chapter has the power to make a man introvert and trigger inner awakening.
The chapter has 60 verses.
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