________________
DISCOURSE 72
331
Some effects of indigestion have been mentioned. You can find out now when you are suffering from indigestion. You also listen to these points about indigestion :
(1) and (2) The smell of gas and motions changes. (3) A change in the type of motions. (4) The feeling of heaviness in the body. (5) The loss of taste or appetite for food. (6) Not belching properly.
KEEP OFF INDIGESTION
A man who is suffering from indigestion may become unconscious again and again. The body may begin shaking. The body may grow weak and even death is likely. Indigestion causes harmful effects; so you should not eat food when you are suffering from indigestion. First of all, you must not give room for indigestion. You will never suffer from indigestion if you consume the food that suits your constitution; if you take your food only when you are hungry and if you do not eat more than what you need but if the Ashatavedaniya Karma brings about its effect and if you become ill that is a different matter. When you are suffering from indigestion, you must fast. At least, you must have the will-power to do this. What is the use of your being a slave to food on account of which, you cannot refrain from eating food even when you are ill ? You should not be a victim to this kind of slavery and you must discard this kind of weakness, "I cannot fast. I cannot get on without tea or milk. I will take some medicine. My digestion will be all right.” This kind of thinking appears in a weak mind.
In fact, even some doctors do not advise their patients to fast when they are suffering from indigestion. Doctors try to please the patients. They say : "Eat what you want to eat. My medicine will set everything right". Thus some doctors think that they are businessmen not doctors who have to render service to patients. The longer the illness of the patient, the larger the income of the doctor. This is the case with some doctors. Good doctors definitely advise their patients to fast when they are suffering from indigestion.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
