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CHAPTER XVI
ETHICS FOR ASCETICS
Human birth on earth is difficult to obtain. When once it is obtained, our aim should be to utilize the opportunity for spiritual advancement by the annihilation of Karmas, rather than for mechanical and material enjoyment of all pleasures of the senses which our wealth, position or power can place at our command. In the previous chapter, there is brief survey of the eleven stages (pratimās) of progress as laid down for a house-holder; it lays down a graduated scheme of elevation leading to the path of renunciation. It is no doubt true that the rules laid down for Perfect Conduct are hard and arduous; but they are a preparation for the life of an ascetic if one can reach the highest stage. “A time does come, and will come, in the life of everyone who is impressed with the Raight Faith, when he will not be able to restrain himself from adopting them. Till that time does come there is no compulsion of any kind whatsoever, and one need only undergo as much of the disciplinary traing as one likes.” 1
The march from the stage of a house-holder to reach the stage of an ascetic involves complete detachment from mundane affairs and severance of all conneccions with the kith and kin, having achieved victory over the senses and the mind. At the end, permeating his mind with five types of ascetic discipline namely, jñānācāra, darśanācāra, câritrācāra, tapācāra and viryācāra, he prostrates before a great saint who is adorned with mystic
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