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Verse 36
burnt and destroyed in no time. The process of destruction of karmas is called nirjarā, which is the sixth tattva. The main cause of success in nirjarā is the attitude of undisturbed mental tranquility or equanimity which is developed by practising the rules of conduct laid down in connection with samvara. But as the rigidity of these rules makes it impossible for a beginner to observe them without faltering, the conduct prescribed for the householder, who has just entered on the 'path', is characterized by a lesser degree of severity than that laid down for a muni (an ascetic or 'homeless' saint). For instance, while the latter's vow relating to the vow of the sexual passion signifies nothing less than absolute unqualified celibacy, the former's admits of his marrying a suitable spouse.
The rule as to the practising of these vows and injunctions is that one should exert oneself in their observance to the full extent of one's power; but not so as to do oneself harm by overexertion. There is a close analogy between the development of the physical body for athletics and the training of the will. As insufficient exercise does not develop a bodily muscle, and one overdone is productive of harm by bringing on fatigue, so is not the will developed by aught that falls short of full exertion, or that is calculated to produce excessive strain. Within these limits one should exert oneself, whole-heartedly, to maintain the spirit of imperturbable equanimity under all conditions. To this end tapas (asceticism) will be found to be a valuable and altogether indispensable ally. Tapas is of two kinds: the external and the internal. Of these the external is necessary for the due sustentation of the internal and consists in (i) fasting, (ii) avoidance of full meals, (iii) placing restrictions on the conditions under which food may be taken, (iv) abstaining from such things as impart relish to eatables - salt, sugar, milk, (clarified butter), curd and oil, (v) living in unfrequented places, and (vi) practising physical austerities to be rid of the longing for bodily comfort and ease. The internal tapas comprises such acts as
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