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THE SACRED BOOKS OF THE JAINAS
परमागमं
प्रयत्नेन ।
लोकत्रयैकनेत्रं निरूप्य अस्माभिरुपोङ्घ्रियते विदुषां पुरुषार्थसिद्धयुपायो ऽयम् ॥ ३ ॥
3. After having carefully studied the Highest Scripture, which affords a matchless vision of the three worlds, 1 proceed to expound, for the sake of scholars, this (treatise) Purushártha-Siddhyupaya.
Commentary.
The word "one eye" conveys the idea of unequalled, matchless vision, such as cannot be had anywhere else, in any other system of Philosophy. The book is written for the sake of sensible earnest students. Neither this, nor any other book can do any substantial good to the foolish, prejudiced, bigoted, or obstinate person, who cannot, or would not, think widely and deeply.
Purushartha Siddhyupaya.-This name is given to the treatise because it literally deals with the method of attaining the object of the Soul. The object of the Soul is the riddance of all imperfection, due to its contact with matter, and the consequential evolution into ultimate perfection, the inherent quality of the Soul.
The book is the result of firm conviction and deep research derived from an extensive study of the most sublime and all-comprehensive Philosophy, the Highest Revelation made by the All-Knowing Arhat.
मुख्योपचारविवरणनिरस्तदुस्तरविनेयदुर्बोधाः । व्यवहारनिश्चयज्ञाः प्रवर्तयन्ते जगति तीर्थम् ॥ ४ ॥
4. True philosophy is promulgated in the Universe, by those who, themselves conversant with the real and the practical aspects, dispel the difficult-to-be-removed ignorance of pupils by an exposition of both the absolute and the relative aspects of things.
Commentary.
The word at, literally means, a ford, a means of crossing over. Metaphorically it denotes a spiritual guide, or Philosophy, which enables one to cross over the ocean of recurring births in this world.
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