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## Eighth Study: Summary: In Brief]
[183
"The arrows do not strike the chest."1
Mahataka was truly a warrior - an unparalleled possessor of self-strength. Even the amorous situation, the arousing gestures, even those of his own wife, did not disturb the steady-minded seeker in the least. He remained immovable and unshakable in his devotion, like the Himalayas. Revati tried to entice him again, a second time, a third time, but not even a speck of her influence fell upon Mahataka. He remained absorbed in his religious meditation. This was the victory of renunciation over indulgence. Revati returned with a dejected face.
Mahataka's path of practice continued to progress and develop. He gradually worshipped eleven images in the proper manner. Due to intense austerity and religious practices, his body became very thin. He thought, "It would be best if the remaining life is used entirely for practice." Accordingly, he accepted the life-ending Sanlekhana, the fast unto death. He immersed himself in spirituality. He attained Avadhi-knowledge.
On one hand, there was this holy state, and on the other, the sinful Revati was burning in the fierce flames of lust. She could not bear it. She again set out to break the vow of the Shraman Upasaka Mahataka, and came to the Poshadshala. It is a great wonder that it did not even occur to her, "I am a fallen woman, it is true, but my husband is engaged in the final, excellent practice of this life, and by trying to break his vow, am I not doing a most reprehensible and heinous act, the sin of which will never allow me peace?" The truth is, the intellect of lustful addicts, sinful humans, who are addicted to meat and alcohol, is destroyed. They fall lower and lower, getting entangled in more and more heinous sinful acts.
This is why, in Jainism, great emphasis is placed on the renunciation of meat and alcohol. They are listed among the seven vices, which are completely to be abandoned by humans. 1. "There are heroes on earth who are strong in drinking and gambling,
Some are skilled even in killing ferocious beasts. But I say in the presence of the strong,
Few are the men who can conquer the pride of Cupid."
"As long as he is on the right path, so long does he prosper,
As long as he is ashamed of his senses, so long does he embrace humility.
Those with eyebrows raised, with loose hair, with blue eyes,
As long as the arrows of desire do not fall upon the hearts of the playful."
Shringar Shataka 75-76
"Meat, alcohol, prostitutes, hunting, theft, and adultery.
These seven vices are great sins, the wise should abandon them."
Padmanandi Panchavimshika 1, 16. Gambling, meat-eating, alcohol-drinking, prostitution, hunting, theft, and adultery are the seven vices in the form of great sins. A wise man should abandon them.