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## The Increasing Radiance of the Ascetic
(183) Knowledge should guide actions, always mindful of one's limitations. Only then does it become beneficial. Otherwise, excessive austerities, driven by ego or mere show, like prolonged fasts, or ignorant practices like mass-feeding, do not alleviate the suffering of birth and death. As the scriptures say, "An ignorant person, even after years of austerities, cannot exhaust karma, while a wise person can do so in a single breath." Physical austerities alone are childish and ignorant. Therefore, knowledge is essential for true benefit.
"One who endures hardship, practices restraint, and mortifies the body, but lacks knowledge, will not escape suffering." - *Savaso Gatha*
"The weak, the naked, and the fasting, but those who are still attached to Maya, will continue to take countless births." - *Sa. 2. Ga. St.*
The true austerity is internal. *Swadhyaya* (self-study), *Prayaschitta* (atonement), *Vyaavachch* (discernment), *Vyutsarg* (renunciation), *Vinaya* (humility), and *Dhyana* (meditation) are the six types of internal austerity. These have many sub-categories. Through these, the inner self is purified, karma is shed, and one attains purity. Just as fire refines gold, removing impurities, so too, knowledge-based austerity refines the soul, removing internal impurities. Austerity leads to the destruction of *kleshas* (afflictions) and other impurities, resulting in the attainment of physical and sensory perfection. "Austerity leads to the perfection of sleep, energy, and purity." (*Pa. 2-43*)
As this knowledge-based austerity intensifies, the soul radiates like the sun. It becomes serene and cool like the moon. Thus, it attains the great *Mangal* (auspicious) state. The ascetic then becomes worthy of the salutations of the wise, a *Buddhi* (intellect). With increasing radiance, they become a *Nigantha* (Jain) *Jnata* (knower) *Siddhi-data* (bestower of liberation), a *Guru* (teacher). Or, they become a *Shukra* (Venus), radiating with the full power of the soul. Then, the diseases of the body, mind, and speech become weak like *Shani* (Saturn). Finally, they attain liberation, moving towards the ultimate state of *Swaroop Siddhi* (perfection of form).
This is the unparalleled glory of austerity. This is the sentiment that Shrimad Rajchandraji has beautifully depicted in *Moksha Mala*, in his unique style.
"An ignorant person, even after countless births, cannot exhaust karma, while a wise person can do so in a single breath." - *Shri Yashvijayji* - *Shri Adhyatma Saar*