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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GODS.
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two to six gharis (a ghari=24 minutes) on each occasion.
The fourth step signifies the observance of the eleventh vow, relating to fasting, at least four times a month, on certain auspicious days.
The fifth step is characterised by abstaining from eating unripe or uncooked roots, fruits, greens, tendrils, bulbous vegetables, flowers and seeds. The sixth is marked by the avoidance of food after sunset..
The seventh step implies sexual purity; the householder now takes the vow of absolute brahmacharya (abstinence).
On the eighth step still further progress is made by the individual, who now withdraws himself from all kinds of business and occupations. In the ninth there is the distribution of property among the heirs. The tenth is reached by those who vow not to give advice on any worldly matter-not even if the family honour be at stake. The house-holder who has reached this step should only attend to the welfare of his soul, “leaving the dead to bury their dead."
The eleventh and the last step in the house-holder's dharma consists in the renunciation of the world, that is of all that the world calls its own, retaining from its goods only a small whisk of the softest peacock feathers with which to remove insects from his person and books without causing them injury, a small bowl for water and a book or two on religion if necessary. This pratimâ is called uddişta tyaga (uddista=that which has been ordered beforehand, and tyaga=renouncing), because the aspirant now refrains from accepting anything in the shape of food if offered by special invitation
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