________________
10 17. 7. ]
where the sage was revealing the charming religion. She adored the sage devoutly bending her head and called out her son in sweet tone. Then she asked the sage who was the embodiment of knowledge "Tell me oh master, of some religious practice which may serve as a strong bolt to the house of misery and hell and by means of which my female sex may be changed." To her who was afraid of the great ocean of existence, who had abandoned all pleasures and numerous comforts, and who was feeling miserable, the great ascetic compassionately preached the religious practice that may lead to happiness and prosperity. Beginning with the first (of the month) whoever would observe fast always, oh daughter, would realise the happiness desired in his heart and enjoy sportively on the heavenly couch.
TRANSLATION
16. By fasting on the first (of the month) the first heaven is attained; by fasting on the second the second class of gods is achieved. By a fast on the third, residence in the third heaven is secured and by the fourth a happy abode in the fourth is obtained. The fifth gives happines in the fifth, and the fast on the sixth leads to the sixth heaven. One goes to the seventh heaven by a fast on the seventh and to the eighth by one on the eighth. Then, by a fast on the ninth the ninth world of the gods is obtained and by one on the tenth, one gets enjoyment in the tenth. By a fast on the eleventh one goes to the eleventh heaven and by one on the twelfth to the twelfth. The thirteenth brings one into the thirteenth and the fourteenth secures the fourteenth. The fifteenth shows the fifteenth and the sixteenth fast brings it to a conclusion. He, who takes his food and drink after this, baving performed the pleasant worship of the Jina, he, having climbled by these steps, certainly follows up the lady salvation.
17. This ceremony should be completed devoutly with a pleased mind, dressed in a fine, red and bright garment. Having worshipped the path to happiness, and placing a jar in front, covering it also with a new and beautiful cloth, it should be worshipped with all the materials of worship by offering them into it. Then, placing a religious book there and obserring sleeplessness by the trumpet, bestowing the four kinds of gifts on the deserving recipients, the book, should be worshipped and the Jina bathed.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
(1
-
185
5
10
15
5
10
5
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
