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પ્રાણ. ]
SPIRITUAL LIGHT.
inclined to indulge freely in the worldly pleasures. The control of body is a preliminary step to the higher one namely control of mind. It is now scientifically proved that food and other outer environments are principal factors in moulding and shaping the mental temperament of man. Our scriptures have therefore laid down very strict rules regarding food, bedding or other physical necessities. After the purification of the lower Karma Prakritis there follows the refining of the higher ones which is called the Innerpsychic austerities. The higher and lower prakritis act and react on each other, therefore a purification of both is imperative.
The importance of Tapa is recognised even by the Westerns. In India the six Darshanas have always emphasised the utility and necessity of Tapas. In the west, also we see the same phenomena. During the medieval times the Hindus, the Mahomedans, the Roman Catholics and others thought Tapas to be the condition precedent to the attainment of higher life. The several monastic orders that spring at various periods were primarily for enforcing this principle. Even in these days it is admitted that a full control over physical and mental senses is neces; sary if man is to reach Godhood and this control is nothing but Tapas. In short the value of Tapas has been recognised uptil now by all. What Jainism does, is to explain the principles rationally and thus to plan a strong basis; while others seem to have recognised its value but they made no attempt to 281
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