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The study of the Vaitaliya text, in the context of the verse, refers to the Sauņi-Śakuni or Śakuni bird. Just as a bird shakes off the dust particles clinging to its body, similarly, a follower of the Ahimsa Dharma, who is worthy of liberation and attainment of Moksha, sheds the karmas like knowledge-obscuring karmas, along with austerities like vows of celibacy and fasting. "Upadhana" refers to that which establishes a being near Moksha. Fasting and other austerities fall under this category. The word "Mahan" appears in the verse. "Mahan" refers to one who does not have the tendency to harm living beings. In Prakrit, "Mahan" becomes "Mahan."
**Verse 16:**
"The mendicant, who has renounced the household and is dedicated to the practice of austerity, stands firm in his resolve. Even if his aged parents, children, and grandchildren plead with him to return home, they will not be able to sway him."
**Commentary:**
The verse begins with the phrase "Uṭṭhiye," which indicates the renunciation of the household. The mendicant is described as "Śramaṇa," one who practices austerity, and "Tāpasvi," one who is dedicated to self-discipline. He is also described as "Sthāna-sthita," one who is firmly established in his practice. Even if his family members, including his parents, children, and grandchildren, try to persuade him to return home, they will not be able to move him. They may become exhausted in their efforts, but they will not be able to sway the mendicant, who has attained the ultimate goal of life, Moksha.
**Verse 17:**
"If the relatives weep and lament, even if they cry out for their son, the mendicant, who has renounced the world, will not be swayed. They will not be able to persuade him to return."
**Commentary:**
The verse emphasizes the unwavering resolve of the mendicant. Even if his relatives weep and lament, even if they cry out for their son, the mendicant will not be swayed. He has renounced the world and is dedicated to the pursuit of Moksha. He will not be persuaded to return to the household, even by the most heartfelt pleas of his family members.