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XXI
IMPEDIMENTS TO SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOUR
AND CONQUEST OVER THEM
Jaina monks are used to hard penances but not without afflictions which they suffer patiently and uncomplainingly.The troubles may ensue from men, animals gods or demons. Acārānga advises us to lighten the arrears in order to end them. Those who take afflictions in their stride can hope to reach their goal of liberation.
‘Upsarga' and 'Parisaha' are synonyms. They do not mean mortification of flesh but to make the body steady and fit for all trials and tribulations in order to mark spiritual progress. Kundakunda has rightly remarked that knowledge acquired with pleasure makes sufferings easily bearable. The seed grows into a tree not with the help of water alone but also needs the scorching heat. Afflictions should be taken as a blessing in disguise. Pleasure without pain is fatal to the soul. Mortification of flesh is voluntary but these afflictions are involuntary. The former is accepted willingly. It is to adopt different postures, to imbibe heat in summer and enjoy biting cold in winter. It is the acceptance of special vows, not to scratch the itch and not to care much for the body. It helps spiritual flights but involuntary afflictions make the body strong enough to practise the five great vows effectively.
In Uttarādhyana, Samavāyānga and Tattvārthasūtra, the number of Parişaha' is twenty-two. Samavāyārga's classification we take one by one:
(1) Hunger-Howsoever, hungry a monk might be, he plucks no fruit, nor gets it plucked; cooks no food, nor gets it cooked. He can accept only sinless food. Even if he receives much less than what he needs he does not mind. Howsoever his body may be emaciated, he does not neglect his devotional practices. Even when he receives no alms at all, he is no less careful in his spiritual observances.
(2) Thirst-It does not trouble him. Even when very thirsty, he shall not take water with life. Because of having taken all kinds of food, fresh and stale, good, bad or indifferent, his thirst is naturally aroused but he suffers it all gladly, dispassionately and without the least murmur.
(3) Cold-To save himself from the rigours of cold, a monk shall not burn fire nor use it even if prepared by somebody else. His clothing may
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