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अध्याय-९
This is ascertained as conquest of the discomfort of posture niṣadyapariṣahajaya.
When the body of the ascetic gets exhausted by prolonged study or meditation or walking, he goes to sleep on hard, uneven ground, abounding in pebbles and fragments of broken jars, very cold or very hot, for a few minutes. He stretches his body on one side like a stick. For the sake of avoiding injury to the living organisms, he remains still, without changing side, like the fallen tree or the dead body. He contemplates constantly on knowledge and does not move his body even when tormented by evil spirits. Thus he overcomes the discomfort caused by uncomfortable couch - sayyapariṣahajaya - for an indefinite time.
The saint pays no attention to the harsh, uncivil and vulgar words of persons of perverted attitude betokening censure and contempt; words which can easily provoke the flame of anger. Though he is in a position to instantly counter such evil-doers, he remains unperturbed. He thinks that the spoken words are due to fruition of sinful karmas; he remains intent on practising austerities and does not make room for even the slightest passion (kaṣāya). He thus overcomes reproach – akrośapariṣahajaya.
On being beaten and tormented by wicked men with sharp swords, maces, pestles, etc., the ascetic does not entertain ill-feelings against them. He thinks, "This is due to my former evil deeds. What can these wretched people do to me? The body is transient like the bubble and is the cause of misery. These people can harm only my transient body, and not my lasting faith, knowledge and conduct.' Reflecting in this manner the ascetic considers the cutting of his body by an adze or the application of sandalwood paste as equal. He thus overcomes the injury done to him-vadhaparīṣahajaya.
As the ascetic is absorbed in practising internal and external austerities, his body is emaciated, and he looks a mere skeleton. Like the dried-up tree without strength or shade due to the extreme heat of the sun, the physical frame of the ascetic is a mere assemblage of skin, bones and arteries. Even on the point of death, he does not meanly and
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