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UVAHANASUYAM : NAVAMAM AJJHAYANAM UPADHAN-SHRUT : NINTH CHAPTER
THE SUCCOUR
INTRODUCTION
The name of this ninth chapter is Upadhan-shrut. Upadhan means support; aid; or succour. To sleep comfortably in a bed we use support of a pillow under the head or at flanks. This pillow and other such things are called physical support (dravya upadhan). Knowledge, perception, conduct and austerities are mental supports (bhava upadhan) that are helpful in protecting right conduct. Because of these, an aspirant experiences infinite bliss, peace and joy. A dirty cloth is washed with the help of water and other material things. Here, water and other material things are called physical upadhan. The dirt of karmas that tarnishes soul is washed or destroyed by inner and outer austerities. Therefore austerities and other such practices that remove the dirt of karmas are called mental upadhan. This chapter, titled Upadhan Shrut, contains description of extensive austerities performed by Bhagavan Mahavir. Also mentioned are the important incidents of Bhagavan Mahavir's life-from his initiation to nirvana. While reading these it appears as if Arya Sudharma has presented an eye-witness account or a diary of the period of spiritual practices from Bhagavan Mahavir’s life. In this chapter austerities have been described two ways. First
are the austerities performed by Bhagavan Mahavir; and second आचारांग सूत्र
( 848) Illustrated Acharanga Sutra
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