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The Followers of the Ever Growing One
251
covers herself only with the pachevadi, the large light-weight veil 331 It is reported, for example, that Sădhvi Śri Kastū practised sitaparişaha for twelve years.332
The records frequently bring out the character-traits of one or another sādhvi, qualities that she developed. Thus, Sādhvi Sri Rāyakarara was extremely meticulous in living the ascetic life as perfectly as possible; in the least lapse, she made confession immediately.333 Certain ones seem to have achieved a happy harmony and balance within their practice of asceticism; we read, for example, that Sādhvi Sri Maiņam was very erudite, she knew the Agamas, gave vyākhyānas (teaching on the dharma), was very courageous and practised tapas.334 It is added that Acārya Bhikhana, noting these qualities, entrusted to her without delay responsibility for a group or simghadā (in the māravādi language). A general perusal of the chronicles reveals that, though tapas was incontrovertibly the means par excellence of purification, nevertheless study and teaching were not neglected, even if at that time neither was according to al' fixed programme.
The type of mahāprasthāņa of most of the sādhvis was noted in detail. We gather, from what these accounts tell us, that at the beginning of this reform movement the ascetic practice was that of the strictest observance. Oftentimes the sādhvis used to end their earthly existence by anaśana, severe fasting. Certain ones undertook samlekhanā, the fast which brings about the annihilation of the body, according to the doctrinal precepts, that is to say, by stages, the fast
331 Cf. P 420 ff.
332 "sitākāla mein bāraha varşa rātri ke samaya eka pachevadi mein rahi" Navaratnamala, MS. Part I, pp. 104-107, the 47th to receive dikșă in 1801.
333 "āpa sadhană mein badi jägarūka rahati, alpamätra bhi doșa lagane se tatkāla usaki alocanā kara leti..." ibid., MS. Part II, p. 59; the 118th to receive dikșă in 1830.
334 The 15th to receive dikşà in 1777.
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