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SANNYASA DHARMA
bow to thee." The saint's acknowledgment varies with the individual. In acknowledging the salutation of an advanced householder such as a brahma chāri or one on the eleventh pratima (step in the householder's path of progress) he will say "karma kshayostu" (may thine karmas be destroyed); to an ordinary householder following the right path, he will say "dharma vridhirastu (may there be in. crease of thy merit) or "subhamastu" (may thy life be auspicious) or santirastu "(may thou obtain peace), but to a low-caste man devoid of dharma (Right Faith) he will say "papamkshayostu" (may thy sins, i.e., demerit, be destroyed). "Dharma labha (may you obtain dharma) is the formula of acknowledgment for men of the higher castes under similar circumstances. When a saint salutes his acharya, he simply says "O Master! I salute thee (namostu).
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Jain Education International
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The newly-ordained sädhu should attach himself to a sangha (company) of saints, as far as possible. The reason for this is that it is easier to go wrong when by one self than when in the company of the righteous. Besides, there may be occasions when one does not know precisely what is the line of conduct to be followed in a given case. He can then obtain the advice of the others who are better qualified to speak on the subject. For confession also one requires a leader of great experience to fix the nature of the penance due, before absolution can be deemed to have been obtained.
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