Unknown Pilgrims

SR No.: 007014
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: N Shanta
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications Delhi
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 820
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 19 MB

Page 397

Saṁvara and Nirjarā
369
Each form of tapas mentioned above corresponds to a different type of mortification. The sădhvis follow their own inclinations in the choice of such or such a form of austerity, taking into account their own physcial resistance and with the approval of the guruņi. When it is a question of a major fast, the ācārya is consulted and either grants permission or withholds it.35
b) The ābhyantara-tapas: The six forms of internal austerities
These comprise certain forms of renunciation or inner mortification. We have now reached the final stage in the process of purification, which does not however mean that one abandons external forms of mortification which have a valuable function. These inner austerities are:
i) Prāyaścitta: expiation of, reparation for faults committed. This demands not only an inner attitude which recognises and is sorry for such faults, but also certain penances in conformity with the prescriptions of the Cheda-sūtras. These forms of expiation are:
1. Alocană: the confession of one's faults to the guruņi or the ācārya, in accordance with the gravity of the offence.36
2. Pratikramana: the repentance which goes with confession and also with the avasyaka of the daily rite.
3. Alocană and pratikramana: confession and repentance.
4. Viveka: discrimination, referring in this context to the particular case when, through inattention or forgetfulness, certain forbidden or
35 Cf. P 609 ff. the case of Sadhvi Śri Ratnavati; re. bāhya-tapas, cf. AD VII, 5-32; AS I, 4, 3; 8, 1, 21; SthS 511a; US XXVIII, 34-35; XXX. 8-29; YSas, 89. We recall to mind the first Teräpanthi sādhvis who practised the mortification of endurance of cold, P 250 ff.
36 If the acārya is not available, it suffices to write to him and he replies by sending a message prescribing the penance to be performed; Cf. Sth$ 733a, where the 10 sorts of disingenuous confession are described.