Spiritual Code and Restraints

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 15

food can be a consequence of Upwas, not an essential part of it. Instead of using the term Upväs, the seers have therefore specifically used the term Anashan for this category of external restraint. Fasting is of course useful, because the spiritual pursuit may entail going without food. The practice of fasting would therefore be helpful in retaining the peace of mind under such adverse circumstances.
2) Unoariä or Unodari: This means eating less than what is needed for satisfying the appetite. Normally, people tend to fill the belly, when they eat. It is, however, possible that a spiritual aspirant may sometime not get enough to eat. Practicing this austerity would enable him to be prepared to face such eventuality. He can thus stay without being perturbed when he does not get enough food. This austerity has a hygienic consideration too. A recent research has shown that eating less than the appetite is conducive to health and can even increase the longevity.
3) Vittisankhevanam or Vrittisankshep: This means curtailing the tendency to expand one's requirements. Human beings have the tendency to acquire as many things as possible, so that they can be used to satisfy the current or future needs. Gaining too many things, however, does not necessarily make one happy. Happiness is a function of mind and can be attained by contentment. By observing this austerity, one can learn to stay contented with the minimum requirements.
4) Rasachchäo or Rastyäg. This means giving up attachment for tastes. The tongue always looks for tastes. Our attention therefore stays towards different types of tasty foods and drinks. This turns out to be more or less an insatiable craze. Such hankering for tastes does not allow the peace of mind. Some brake has to be applied to it. This austerity is laid down with that end in view. Äyambil Vrat is specially devised for that purpose.
5) Käyakileso or Käyäklesh: This literally means bearing physical affliction. In practice, it amounts to courting physical hardships. During spiritual pursuit, one comes across many hardships. If he is not accustomed to bear the same, he cannot maintain peace and no spiritual benefit can come forth in absence of the peace of mind. It is therefore necessary that the aspirant is used to bearing reasonable level of hardships and physical discomforts.
6) Sanlinayä or Sanlinatä: This is also referred to as Viviktashayyäsan. It means staying in a forlorn place and occupying the minimum space. Normal human tendency is to gain more and more space to lead a comfortable life. The purpose of this austerity is to curtail that tendency and to feel comfortable within a restricted area. The term can also mean staying tuned. Maintaining alertness can thus come within the purview of this restraint.
It would be evident that the purpose of external austerities is to equip the aspirants to face hardships that they may come across during spiritual pursuit. That can enable them to observe peace and tranquillity of mind even in adverse circumstances. Now let us turn to the internal austerities, each of which is devised to lead to liberation.
B: Internal or Abyantar Tap