Spiritual Code and Restraints

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 61

The serial order of these transgressions is not uniformly maintained. For instance, the Vanditu Sutra, which is recited during Pratikraman, reverses the order of the first two transgressions and mentions the third as the last one.
In addition to these five transgressions it is possible to visualize others that arise in the present life. For instance, procuring something that has been imported by someone else from the territories that do not fall within the range of one's limitations would be a transgression of this discipline. Similarly getting something from the prohibited area also would amount to a transgression.
Chapter 17
Chapter 17
PAUSHADH Practicing The Life Of Monk
Chatushparvyä Chaturthädi Kuvyäpäranishedhanam Brahmacharyakriyäsnänädi Tyägah Poshadham
Yogashästra (Observance of fast and celibacy, avoidance of undesirable activities, and bath etc. on eighth and fourteenth or fifteenth day of the fortnight constitute the restraint of
Paushadh.)
So far we have covered ten restraints. We have now to consider two more. The eleventh restraint and the third discipline is known as Paushadh. The term is derived from the Sanskrit verb 'Push' meaning nourish or support. What nourishes the spiritual life is therefore Paushadh, and that is popularly known as Posah. It is observed by refraining from the activities that are not conducive to spiritual pursuit. Observance of this restraint is also supposed to be accompanied by staying close to the true nature of the soul. Staying as such is 'Upväs' in the real sense of the term. This restraint is therefore also known as Paushadhopväs, which is a compound word made of Paushadh and Upväs. For the present discussion, however, we shall use the term Paushadh
Depending upon the emphasis on activity to be restrained, there are following four types of Paushadh.
1) The first is Ähär Paushadh, which means observing fast.
2) The second is Sharir Satkär Paushadh that stipulates avoidance of bath, oiling, dyeing etc. which are resorted to for rendering the body more attractive.
3) The third is Brahmacharya Paushadh that stipulates avoidance of sensuous pleasure.