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, सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
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DVATRIMSH ADHYAYAN : |
PRAMAAD-STHAAN
Foreview
The title of this chapter is Pramaad-sthaan or The Areas of Stupor. It describes the causes of stupor, the main impediment to an aspirant's practices and inspires him to avoid them or remove them.
There are many ways the types and sub-types of stupor have been listed -
The primary types of stupor (pramaad) are five-(1) pride (madya or mad), (2) sensual indulgence (vishaya), (3) passions (kashaya), (4) opprobrium (vikatha), and (5) sleep (nidra) or slander (ninda). With their sub-types they add up to fifteen; this is because sensual indulgence is of five types (five sense organs), and passion and opprobrium have four types each.
From another viewpoint there are said to be eight types of stupor-(1) ignorance, (2) doubt, (3) false knowledge, (4) attachment, (5) aversion, (6) memory loss, (7) disrespect for religion, and (8) ignoble application of mind, speech and body (Pravachanasaroddhara, 207, verses 122-123).
Generally speaking stupor denotes - absence of awareness, negligence, lethargy, lack of discretion, forgetfulness about one's true goal etc.
It is true that even for an ascetic way of life an aspirant requires some essential means. Without these means it is not possible to sustain the chosen way of life.
By themselves means are neither noble nor ignoble; neither good nor bad. Their nature is determined by the thoughts, mental conditions, tendencies, intentions and feelings of attachment and aversion of the subject.
Food is very much essential for sustaining body. But if food is taken for the fun of it and delicious dishes are consumed in excessive quantity, then the same food turns into source of gastro-intestinal and many other ailments and in turn an impediment to spiritual practices.
Bed and seat are also necessary for an aspirant but if they are spoiled due to contact with females and neuters, then they become cause of sexual excitement. The aspirant would not be able to control his mind and his mental state would not be conducive to spiritual practices.
The same is applicable to other means as well.
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