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I SECOND CHAPTER : THE FOUNDATION OF ASCETICISM ]
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INTRODUCTION Striving for discipline is the mark of a shraman. This also is the essence of asceticism.
The title of this chapter literally means the preamble to asceticism. It points to the basis or foundation of asceticism. The origin of a tree is a seed. The source of butter and curd is milk. The foundation is the base on which a house is constructed. With all this in mind, the question of what is the foundation of asceticism has been raised. Which is the factor in the absence of which asceticism cannot be said to exist? This chapter provides an answer to this question. The first chapter defines dharma as well as shraman. This gives rise to the question of what is the basis of these two. The answer is dhriti or patience. It is said that he who has patience can practise austerities. And he who practises austerities can achieve better rebirth.
The topic first discussed in this chapter is to establish that patience is the foundation of asceticism. After this it presents the process of preparing one's mind for that. A person with patience is stable. Victory over lust is possible only for one who has patience and stability. Only such a person can keep his asceticism intact. Therefore, it becomes necessary to subdue lust and attachment.
A touching and effective inspiration for the discipline of lust has been given with the help of the ancient story of Rajimati. In brief the story goes as follows
After Bhagavan Arishtnemi's renunciation, his brother Rathnemi got attracted towards Rajimati whom Arishtnemi refused to marry. Rajimati also had become detached from mundane activities and was preparing to become an ascetic. At that time prince Rathnemi tried his best to seduce Rajimati. When he
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श्री दशवकालिक सूत्र : Shri Dashavaikalik Sutra
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