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Jaina View of Life
supernormal powers through the tapas and yogic practices may bring some powers. But one, pursuing the path of spiritual perfection, should desist from using them. Otherwise, one is likely to lose the balance of mind and become arrogant towards the fellow mortals. There are numerous instances. Ṛsis who have fallen from the height of spirituality because of their arrogance of the attainment of certain power, and possession of wealth.
(vii) Tapo mada refers to the vanity of ascetic practices. One feels superior because he unlike the 'lowly fellow mortals', practises penance, That gives arrogance of tapas, and he strays away from the true path of perfection.
(viii) Sarira mada is the arrogance of having a beautiful body. We forget that the form and the physical beauty are temporary. They fade. We forget that we get old and that in old age and in acciednts, deficiencies and deformities are formed. To forget this and to love and admire one's beautiful body creates an illusion of superiority and a disdain for the less fortunate fellow mortals.
The 8 types of vanity vitiate the mind, make us forget the real nature of the pursuit of truth. We do not get back the perspective of life and personality and we lose the soul'.
2. We now turn our attention towards understanding the 3 types of folly (Mūḍhata). They are19
(i) Loka-mūḍhată: It refers to the superstitious practices in social and religious matters. These practices are based on blind irrational foundations coming from generations. These refer to the customs and mores which are not directly relevant to the purpose of achieving the personal, social and spiritual excellence.
49. Ibid 22
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