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THE AFFLIOTIONS
small bees, bugs, maggots, ants, scorpions, etc. The ascetio endures the pain caused by these insects without thinking of the threefold remedies? (of medicine, incantation and charms). His only mantle is the determination to attain emancipation. This is called patient endurance of insect-bites. (5)
The saint embraces nakedness like that of the child, which is free from stigma and which is difficult of attainment. This frees him from the evils of begging, safeguarding, injury, etc., and it is the sole cause of attaining emancipation, as it is free from attachment. The mind of the saint embracing nakedness is free from the excitement of passion and agitation, as he considers the female body impure and stinking. Hence he always safeguards his celibacy perfectly. His nakedness must, therefore, be considered blameless. (6)
The ascetic is in different to pleasures of the senses. He stays in vacant houses, temples, hollow trees, or in mountain-caves, devoid of singing, dancing, instrumental music, etc. He is immersed in, and derives pleasure from, study and meditation. His heart is closed to thoughts of worldly pleasures witnessed, heard of and experienced by him formerly, and stories concerning worldly pleasures. And his heart is proof against the arrows of Cupid. He always evinces compassion for the living. He must be understood to have conquered dissatisfaction arising from the absence of pleasures. (7)
In the presence of lovely, intoxicated women in the bloom of youth, -the ascetic residing in lovely bowers, houses, etc. is free from agitation or excitement, even though he is disturbed by them. Similarly, he subdues agitations of his senses and his mind like the tortoise covered by his shell. And the smile, charming talk, amorous glances and laughter, lustful slow movement of women and the arrows of Cupid have no effect on him. This must be understood as the conquest of the disturbance caused by women. (8)
Someone has led a celibate lifo, residing in the habitation of his master. He has learnt the truth about bondage and emancipation. He goes to another place for the sake of food
1 This is also interpreted by thought, word and deed'.
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