Practical Path

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 89

76
THE PRACTICAL PATH.
Apart from this the analysis of the attitude of pure contemplation would show that its attainment is compatible only with the quiescence of body and mind both. Hence, they both must be taken in hand for ascetic training, and completely subjugated to the aspirant's will. It must be remembered that ascetics do not drop from the sky, but come from the class of laymen, so that when a layman is impressed with the truth of the continuity of life in the future, he begins to reflect on the circumstances of the soul in which it would find itself after the somatic death in this world. Meditation on the nature of the soul and other substances convinces him of the fact that the making or marring of his future is a thing which is entirely his own concern, and that as a sensible man he ought to live the life which is conducive to his spiritual good rather than the life of an animal engrossed in the enjoyment of senses.
Arrived at this conclusion, his mind longs to ascertain what others have said on the subject and to find out if his own conclusions are true. He then takes to the study of Scripture which is the final authority on the subject. His faith in the Word of Truth increases with his insight into the nature of tattvas, and he no longer ridicules the descriptions of things and events in the holy śástras. His conduct also becomes characterised by purity of thought, speech and actions, and, finally, when the longing for liberation from the bondage of samsara begins to actuate him intensely from within, he throws off the shackles of worldly attachment, and takes to tapa. Thus, no one can become an ascetic without having first undergone the preparatory training enjoined