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THE AFFLICTIONS
of perverted attitude betokening censure and contempt which provoke the flame of anger, the saint pays no attention to such evil-doers, though he can ward off such evils. He thinks of the fruition of sinful karmas, is intent on practising moral virtues and does not give room for even the slightest passion. Thus he overcomes censure and reproach. (12)
When the ascetic is beaten and tormented by wicked men with sharp swords, maces, pestles, etc., he does not entertain ill-feelings against them. “This is due to my former evil deeds. What can these wretched people do to me? The body is transient like the bubbles and is the cause of misery. These people can harm only my transient body, and not my lasting faith, knowledge and conduct.' He, who considers the cutting of his body by an adze or the application of sandal-wood paste as equal, reflects in this manner and overcomes the injury done to him. (13)
As the monk is absorbed in practising internal and external austerities, his body is emaciated, and he looks a mere skeleton. Like the tree dried up, by the extreme heat of the sun without strength or shade, the saint's physical frame is a mere assemblage of skin, bones and arteries. Still even on the point of death, he does not meanly and piteously beg for food, habitation, medicine, etc. by words, facial expressions or by gestures. Even at the time of food, he is difficult to be seen like the flash of lightning. This is the endurance of the affliction of begging. (14)
Like the wind the ascetic is not attached to anything. He goes from place to place and takes food only once a day. He observes complete silence or regulation of speech. He displays his form only once. He takes food from his hands. Even if he does not get food for several days in several homes, he is not worried about it. He has no interest in testing the merits of hosts. 'Lack of gain is of greater virtue to me than gain.' The ascetic who is contented in this manner conquers the lack of gain. (15)
The body is the repository of all impurities, transient and defenceless. The saint does not, therefore, have thought or
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