Prasamrati Prakarana

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

Page 73

55
Praśamarati
137. He who takes his food after giving due thought to the time. weather and place, the quantity, its nature, whether what is eaten is easy or difficult to digest; and who is aware of his capacity - for such a man what need is there of medicines ?
138. The manner of taking one's food, arranging one's bed, dressing with clothes, and having other utensils, possessions and all other things that are shown as being useful, and not keeping those things that are shown as being not useful - all this is there for the protection of the Etenal Religion and of one's body (which is the vehicle of the Eternal Religion).
139. He who knows in all detail, that which is useful and that which is not, he who is given guidance and help by other saints who are detached from this world; and he who is humble - such a Muni, even though he lives in a world which is full of many defects, remains untouched and undefiled by it.
140. Just as the lotus flower, which though resting upon mud, is undefiled and utouched by it; in the same way, though a Sādhu is dependent upon various things from the world, for the sake of his religious life, and the protection of his body, is not attached to the world and hence is untouched and unsoiled by it.
141. Just as a horse, who is decorated by an ornate saddle and other accoutrements, has no attachment to them, so also, the Sādhu who possesses the things necessary for his Dharma (Religion), is not said to be defiled by the defect of possession, for he too is non-attached to them.
142. The bodnages are the eight types of Karma, the wrong vision and faith, the not giving up of sin, and the impure thoughts, speech and actions. He who constantly and without deception, and as per details shown, tries to vanquish these, is said to be a Nirgrantha (Sādhu).
143. Thus that which protects and aids knowledge, discipline