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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GODS.
911
than absolute unqualified celibacy, the former's admits of his marrying a suitable spouse.
The rule as to the practising of these vows and injunctions is that one should exert oneself in their observance to the full extent of one's power ; but not so as to do oneself harm by over-exertion. There is a close analogy between the development of the physical body for athletics and the training of the will. As insufficient exercise will not develop a bodily muscle and one overdone will be productive of harm by bringing on fatigue, so is not will developed by aught that falls short of full exertion or that is calculated to produce excessive strain. Within these limits, one should exert oneself, wholeheartedly, to maintain the spirit of imperturbable equanimity under all conditions. To this end tapa (asceticism) will be found to be a valuable and altogether indispensable ally. Tapa is of two kinds : the external and the internal. Of these, the external which is necessary for the due sustentation of the internal, consists in (i) fasting, (ii) avoidance of full meals, (iii) placing restrictions on the conditions under which food may be taken, (iv) abstaining from such things as impart relish to eatables --salt, sugar, milk, ghee, curds and oil, (v) living in unfrequented places, and (vi) practising physical austerities to be rid of the longing for bodily comfort and ease. The internal tapa comprises such acts as the acquisition and strengthening of faith, the showing of respect to ascetics and knowers of truth as well as to the Word of the Tirthamkara, attending upon and nursing holy saints when unwell, study, discrimination and meditation, including self-contemplation in the highest sense. The
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