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compared to eternal infinite happiness ? Thus, a difficult but
beneficial ascetic life is worth accepting.

Sita had already made a firm resolution to accept ascetism.
Then do you think that such temporary difficulties would scare
her ? Would momentary material pleasures tempt her ? While
experiencing life’s toughest problems, she had already deduced
the world’s true nature and decided her future plan of action.
Despite of changing circumstances, her decision was firm !

Here, the question will definitely rise,

Q. How can you say that the decision to renounce this
materialistic world was taken by Sita during her days
of adversity in the forest ? Couldn’t she have taken the
decision spontaneously ?
A. No. The reason here is,

 Previously she was sent to exile with Rama for 12 long
years. At that time the feeling of non-attachment did not
rise. She did not feel that ‘instead of roaming, in the forest
without shelter renouncing the world is a better option.’

 After that, Ravana had abducted her. At that time also
she did not feel the need for monkhood. This is evident
because after that period also she stayed in the luxuries of
the royal palace.
But here, right after the miraculous event of fire transforming
into water she declared her desire to walk on the path of
renounciation. This proves that she must have strengthened
the feeling of non-attachment during her days in forest.
She must have reflected that the thirst for sensual desires
is in the centre of all her problems. Therefore, ‘I will
definitely accept ascetism once I am freed of this accusation.
Because if I accept ascetism now when I am accused guilty
it will cause harm to Jainism.’
16 Purity Purified