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Chapter 7 - Sutra 14: One who does not have obstacles is considered a true vow-taker.
One cannot become a true vow-taker merely by adhering to non-violence, truth, etc., but there is a minimum and initial condition that has been indicated here. That condition is to relinquish obstacles. In short, there are three types of obstacles: 1. Hypocrisy, trickery, or deceitful behavior. 2. Craving for pleasure. 3. Not respecting the truth or insisting on falsehood. These three are mental defects. As long as they exist, they consume the mind and body and do not allow the soul to be at peace; therefore, even if a person with these obstacles takes a vow, they cannot remain focused on its observance. Just as if a thorn or some other foreign object is stuck in parts of the body, it causes discomfort to both the body and mind and does not allow the soul to concentrate on any task, similarly, these mentioned mental defects are also such distractions, hence their relinquishment is placed as the first condition to become a vow-taker. [13] What are the distinctions of vow-takers?
Archanadh 24. They are categorized into two types: those with attachments (Agarī) - householders, and those without attachments (Anagar) - renunciants.
Not every vow-taker possesses the same qualifications; therefore, according to the variations of qualifications, the two distinctions of vow-takers are briefly indicated here: 1. Agarī, 2. Anagar.