Prasamrati Prakarana

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Mahesh Bhogilal, V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Nita M Bhogilal & Others

Page 71

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Praśamarati
132. The body of a Sādhu, cannot remain alive without some necessities, and they in turn are to be found or dependent upon the outside world. Thus the Sādhu, should while remaining within one's Dharma, yet keep contact with the norms and behaviour of the outside world.
133. If there are defects in oneself, which lead people in society to stop being of assistance (in fulfilling the necessities of a Sadhu), and also that these people develop an aversion towards oneself, then it is imperative that one should strongly endeavour to become aware of, and to give up these defects
134. In the chapter of the Agama (Jain scripture) called Pindesaņā, there is a description of what is and what is not consumable by a Sādhu. If he accepts the prescriptions and follows these as per all the details given, and if he is moderate in what he accepts and consumes, then such a Sādhu need have no fear of mental or bodily ill health.
135. Just as one applies only that much ointment as is necessary for the wound; just as one applies only that much grease as is necessary for the wheel; in the same way, one should for the sake
of the care and sojourn of one's body, take only as much food 1 as is necessary. Further so that no attachment develops towards
the food, one should consume it as a snake consumes its food (i.e. in one gulp, without "tasting” it) or as one would consume it if one knew it to be the meat of one's own son (i.e. again in one gulp without relishing it.)
136. Things that are pleasing should be eaten with a mind that is equipoised. Things that are not pleasing should be eaten without aversion. Just as (sandal) wood is unconcerned (whether it is cut or burnt, or used in Pūjā), even so, that which is eaten shouid be consumed in a like manner (without relish or aversion). Then, the meal becomes a fit meal for a Sādhu.