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Siddhāntas have a correct meaning or they have the highest or whole truths. The rest are meaningless.
Owing to his liberal--mindedness, the doors of Mahaccandra's house were always open. His court-yards were covered with remnants of food and drink-materials of persons who had taken their meals there. He was such a piousininded person, that even if he were to go into the women's apartments of any individual, there will not be the slightest doubt about his moral character. He was carefully observing all the vows taken by him, and he was consecrating his own Self with various austerities.
One day, when Mahaccandra was sitting in night-vigil during Pauşadha Vrata,* the following idea arose in his mind at mid-night:-Prosperous are the villages, towns etc. frequented by
Śramana Bhagayāna Mahävira. Fortunate are the kings, wealthy merchants, leaders of corporation etc who have renounced the world and have adopted ascetic life at the pious hands of Śra. maga Bhagavana Mahavira. If now, Śramapa Bhagavāna Mahavira comes to Campā Nagari, I will certainly renounce the world and take Dikşâ from him.
*Pausadha Vrata is mostly taken with the object of remaining in religious meditation for 4 prahars (from Sun-rise to Sun - set or Sun-set to Sun-rise) or for 8 prahars. (for the day and night). It is effected by (1, Total abstinence from food by observing a fast for the day or by partial abstinence from food by taking only one meal during the day. (2) Total abstinence from sexual intercourse of any kind. (3) Total abstinence from a complete bath or washing parts of the body, as well as, from decorating the body with oils, pigments, flowers, or natnents etc. and by 4) Total abstinence from talks or instructions relating to business-matters or talks involving the destruction of living beings. This vow is usually observed on twelve Parva-divasaAuspicious days of religious merit though it can be done on any day of the week.
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