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AN EXPLANATION OF THE PICTURE RELATING
TO THE NINE TATVAS
In the picture, relating to the nine tatvas, there is an illustration of the relationship of the nine tatvas to the jiva. It is as follows : (1) Suppose that jiva is a lake. This is the Jivatatva. (2) This lake is filled with the rubbish of Karmas. This is the
Ajivatatva. (3) Of these Karmas, the auspicious ones are called Punya
tatvas (Sublime entities). (4) The inauspicious Karmas are called sinful tatvas or
entities. (5) The gutters and channels through which the rubbish of
Karma is brought into the lake of life symbolise the
Ashravatatva (False perception, infatuation etc.). (6) The dams or lids (Samithis) which can check the inflow
of these things are the Samvartatva. (7) The Bandhatatva determines the nature, condition and time
of Karma. (8) The Nirjaratatva is like a medicinal powder (spiritual
austerities which can destroy Karmas). (9) The Mokshatatva emerges after the destruction of all the .
other tatvas.
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