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ETHICS FOR ASCETICS
Āśādhara has discussed other subjects which have been referred to above. It is however certain that the foundations of an ascetic's life and character are self-restraint and purity of mind and conduct. In order to achieve these objects, he has to practise both external (bāhya) and internal (antara) austerities. All writers who have dealt with the Yati-Dharma have discussed that matter. The austerities are self-imposed and follow as a matter of corollary after intitiation into the vow of a Muni or Yati. The austerities have to be practised voluntarily for the mortification of the body to prepare the mind for complete withdrawal from the shackles of mundane life. There are six external austerities as mentioned by Umāsvāmi.16 They are fasting (anaśana), taking food in reduced quantity (avamaudarya), predetermination as to the manner and number of houses in relation to begging (vṛttiparisankhyāna), giving up of juicy and delicious foods like milk, curds, oils etc., (rasaparityaga), choice of lonely habitation (viviktasayyāsana), and mortification of the body (kāya-kleśa). The object of these austerities is to gain greater self-restraint and destruction of attachment. Fasting is a well recognised mode of subduing the senses. The second one refers not only to limiting of houses but also to acceptance of food only when certain predetermined conditions are found. It has already been mentioned that he should not take food specially prepared for him. Diminished diet is intended to keep him alert for his studies and discourses. The fourth austerity of giving up of delicious and juicy diet assists him in curbing his passions and excitement of of senses. Lonely habitation helps him in living a life of celibacy, meditation and devoted quiet study. The last one relating to bodily mortification prepares him for a life of suffering and self-denial.
The internal austerities comprise expiation (prayścitta), respect for holy persons (vinaya), rendering service to ascetics in difficulty or suffering from some ailment (vaiyāvṛtya) study of the scriptures (svådhyāya) renunciation of all possessions including the sense of of ego (vyutsarga) and meditation (dhyāna).17
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