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We wash dirty linen with soap and detergent to make it clean. To purify gold, it is heated in fire. Similarly, to purify soul and to progress towards liberation, penance is practised.
Lord Mahavir took initiation in the 25th birth of Nandan Muni and started "Maskhaman" penance (a month long fast) from the first day. In all He observed 11,80,645 "Maskhaman" and secured the "Tirthankar Namkarma". His reflections and worship that He performed at the time of death, are described in details in Book No. 10 of these series. We should learn and aspire for a death with a tranquil mind, centred on God-Samadhi Maran.
Nandan Muni provides a great example of how a determigoal ned and sustained Tapa results in a repid advance towards a of liberation of Self. It also reveals great qualities of a soul engaged in a supreme sacrifice.
Precaution For Practising Penance : तदेहि तप: कुर्यात दुर्ध्यानं यत्र नो भवेत ।
येन योगा न हीयन्ते, क्षीयन्ते इन्द्रियाणि च ॥ One should practise Tapa in such a way that it neither leads to evil thoughts nor disturbs the yog-association of mind, speech and body with soul, nor renders the senses weak and dull.
We should practise penance in moderation in such a way that we should be able to carry on daily activities such as performing Pratikraman, Samayik, Puja(worship), ability to take vows, pledges etc. with an ease of mind. Religious study should also progress in a natural course.
It is of no use if one passes the day of fast lying down, feeling akness or to avoid discomfort. In such a penance, one would not get the desired fruit. While breaking the fast, if one does not control the sense of taste and craves for different kinds of food, indulging in over-eating, his health may be spoiled and the blame will be attached to one's "Tapa", not knowing how he created such a problem for himself. The person who practises penance, should bear these well in mind so that he does not become a loser by making mistakes and probably giving up practice of Tapa as not sited to him. Upadhyaya Shree Yashovijayaji says:
इच्छा रोधे संवरी, परिणति समता योगे रे, तप ते एहीज आत्मा, वर्ते निजगुण भोगेरे,
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