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PENANCES.
The penances of the Jains are world famous. Fasts observed by the Jains are very hard and difficult to undergo. During such fasts, one has to abstain from food of all kinds and even fruits, sweets nay even orange juice, butter milk or tea etc. are not taken whether in day time or night. Penances are undertaken for the restraint of senses. For the purification of soul, Jains subject themselves to such penances very willingly for months together. Such penances if observed according to the rules also purify one's physique. They destroy bad Karmas. Antaraya Karma (obstructionist Karma) are annihilated and one acquires the best of materials of very tye. Thousands of lives are protected by sach penances and therefore there is mercy also ingrained in them. By penances, religion advances, sins decrease, happiness increases and misery is lessened, wealth and
