Acharya Umaswati
07.13 Nihshaiyo Vrati
Audio: Sanskrit: नि:शल्यो व्रती ।
Hindi: शल्यरहित ही व्रती होता है ।
07.13
English: One who wants to observe restraints needs to be faultless. This sutra stipulates faultlessness as a prerequisite for observing restraints. The term used here for fault is Shalya, which literally means a thorn. If a thorn is pricked in any pan of the body, one would not feel at ease till it is removed. Deceptive instinct, strong urge for any worldly aspect and wrong perception are the main Shalyas that handicap spiritual pursuit. So long as they are not removed, the aspirant would not be able to undertake spiritual pursuit in the true sense of the term. The last one of those three is the most hurtful. At least that needs to be removed before undertaking restraints, austerities, etc. Observance of restraints is therefore considered appropriate in the fifth stage of spiritual elevation after gaining the right perception in the fourth.
