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Two viewpoints regarding the body
Bhagvan Mahavir has said, “Imam shariram anniccam” that this body is not eternal.
This is one viewpoint. There is also another. The one who thinks on the path of anekanta will not accept any one viewpoint. The second viewpoint is:
Sariramahu navati jivo vuchchayi naavio
Sansaro onnvo vutto jam tarnti mahesino In other words, the body is like a boat. Till we do not cross the shores we cannot let go of the body. And we should not leave it. Use the body like a boat. You have to cross the shores and use the body to do so. The soul should be the navigator and the body the boat. Use the body in the right manner.
The necessity of food
To keep the body going, food is necessary. Many people think Jain philosophy gives more importance to penance. It lays greater emphasis on fasting. This is also a single dimensional view. To keep the body going food is very necessary.
The Jain Acharyas have very beautifully described this. For the monk it was said that if he has to do
Anekanta: The Third Eye
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