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Elaboration These six aphorisms detail the disturbances faced on the path. In ancient times the followers or devotees generally remained unaware of the itinerary of an ascetic due to paucity of means of transportation and communication. The wanderings of ascetics were extremely rigorous and painful. There was a continued fear of ferocious animals and bandits on the way. There were large desolate and fearsome areas to cross. Such difficult conditions were perfect tests for an ascetic's courage and detachment.
If on the way the bandits deprive him of his belongings or beat him, he should be free of any feeling of revenge. He should neither beg his things back nor lodge a complaint. He should tolerate this affliction peacefully and remain composed.
YOUR PRIORYOUAY TAYO. 14044~
Brihatkalpasutra Bhashya, Nishith Churni and other texts inform that Shramans had to face such afflictions frequently. Uncivilized thieves sometimes killed some acharya or his disciples, kidnapped ascetics and destroyed their belongings (Nishith Churni, leaf 289). Faced with such predicament some aging ascetic would become the leader and the acharya would dress as ordinary ascetic (Brihatkalpa Bhashya 1/3005-6 and Nishith Bhashya Churni, leaf 321). It also happened that some thieves would return the dresses sometimes during the day and others throw the dresses at the place where ascetics defecate and disappear (Brihatkalpa Bhashya 1/3011).
आचारांग सूत्र (भाग २)
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