________________
INTERNATIO
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
Farenga
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
STUDIES
2. Srutasambhoga- The monk should instruct other monks with regard to the scriptures. 3. Bhaktapāna - The food given to other monks should be pure.
4. Ajjalipragraha - The monk should pay due respect to other monks.
5. Dānasambhoga - Pupils can be exchanged with the other monks of the same group.
6. Nimantraṇa- A monk can invite another monk of the same group for exchange of food, possessions and pupils.
7. Abhyutthāna - The monk should pay due respect to other monks of the same group by giving them seat etc., and by standing from his seat on their arrival.
8. Krtikarma-Should give proper salutation etc.
9. Vaiyyavṛtya - The old, diseased, and disabled monks should be served with due respect and care.
10. Samavasarana-He should join the assembly at the time of religious discourse.
11. Sannisadya - The monk can share his seat with the monk of his own group but not with the nun.
12. Katha-prabandha - He should discuss various religious matters with fellow monks.
The order is thus an organized form of asceticism but the primary form of asceticism is to be practiced by an individual all- alone even when he is a member of an Order.
5.2 Twelve Reflections
The practice of asceticism is not a bed on roses. It is a very difficult path. What sustain an aspirant on this path are certain reflections, which have been classified into twelve:
1. The first is the transitory nature of things. Nothing is permanent in the world. If we get attached to a particular thing we are bound to suffer.
2. Nobody can escape death, nor can anybody save one from death. It is, therefore, unwise to depend on relatives, wealth, or position because all of them are helpless before death. 3. The soul is transmigrating from one body to another body from time immemorial. It has undergone all possible favorable and unfavorable situations. There is no end to this journey unless one adopts the path of spiritualism.
4. Even though we live in a society speaking truly, we are all alone. We have to suffer the miseries all alone and there is none to share them.
5. One has to realize that the self is distinct from body. Pampering the body is of no use for the self.
6. The body, which consists of flesh, blood, and bones, is impure all in and all out.
Page 223 of 385