Harmless Soul

SR No.: 001196
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: W J Johnson, Dayanand Bhargav
Publisher: Motilal Banarasidas
Publication Year: 1995
Total Pages: 372
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Principle
File Size: 20 MB

Page 254

240 Harmless Souls terms which are capable of being understood by those who are spiritually undeveloped. This is the standard reconciliation of the elements in a two truths doctrine: the lower is a means or ladder to the higher. As Frauwallner puts it:
The common-place consideration (vyavahāra-nayah) is necessary in order to make the doctrine intelligible to ordinary men. One can only come to an understanding with a foreigner when one uses his speech (Samayasāro (sic.) v.8]. But one must be clear about the fact that it has validity only in a certain sense. It should necessarily supplement the pure way of thought which alone brings full truth.18
This relation is typified in gāthā 16 (19):
(Right] belief, knowledge and conduct should always be practised by a sādhu (from the vyavahāra point of view]; but know that these three are, in reality, the self.
Amrtacandra comments that it is established that the sādhu, in talking to other people, must refer to belief, knowledge and conduct. Personally, however, he must cultivate the self with the sentiment that it is at the same time both the means and the end.19 In other words, the sādhu sees through the vyavahāra view.
Referring to one of the last gāthās of the Samayasāra, Amrtacandra also states that those who are 'deluded by beginninglessly produced vyavahāra views ... do not see the highest truth, the holy Samayasāra'.20
Similarly, the Samayasāra states:
18 Frauwallner 1973, Vol. 2, p. 208.
19 yenaiva hi bhāvenātmā sādhyam sādhanam ca syāt tenaivāyam nityam upāsya iti svayamākūya pareșām vyavahāreņa sādhunā darśanajñānacāritrāņi nityam upāsyānīti pratipadyate - Ātmakhyāti on Samayasāra 16 (= 19 JGM).
20 te 'nādirudhavyavahāravimūdhāḥ ... paramārthasatyam bhagavantam samayasāram na paśyanti - Ātmakh on Sam 413 (= 443).