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## Chapter Seven
§ 663. The meaning of *āsrava* has been explained. At the beginning of its explanation, it was said, "Auspicious is the *puṇya*." This was said in a general way. To understand its specific meaning, the question arises, "What is auspicious?" The following *sūtra* answers this:
"To be free from violence, falsehood, stealing, non-celibacy, and attachment is a vow."
§ 664. *Sūtras* like "Violence is the harming of living beings due to carelessness" and others, explain the nature of violence and the other things mentioned. To refrain from them is called a vow. A vow is a rule that is taken upon oneself, like "This is to be done, and this is not to be done."
**Objection:** Violence and the other things mentioned are specific results, not permanent. How can they be used in the ablative case?
**Solution:** The ablative case is used because the intention is to indicate permanent cessation through understanding. For example, in the phrase "He refrains from virtue," the person who is devoid of understanding thinks, "Virtue is difficult, and its fruit is attainable only through faith." Thus, he refrains from virtue due to his understanding. Similarly, here, the person who acts with understanding thinks, "These results of violence, etc., are the causes of sin. Those who engage in sinful actions are punished by kings in this very life, and they suffer in the afterlife." Thus, he refrains from violence, etc., due to his understanding. Therefore, it is appropriate to use the ablative case because the intention is to indicate permanent cessation through understanding.
The word *virati* should be combined with each word individually. For example:
1. "The restraints are non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment." (Pā. Yo. Sū. 2, 301)
2. "A vow is that which is taken upon oneself and is free from the objects of *virati*." (Ratna. 3, 401)
3. "The ablative case is used for permanent cessation." (Pā. 1, 4, 24)
4. "He refrains from virtue... This person is devoid of understanding." (Pā. M. Bhā. 1, 4, 3, 24)
5. "He refrains from virtue due to his understanding." (Pā. M. Bhā. 1, 4, 3, 24)
6. "This person acts with understanding." (Mā. M. Bhā. 1, 4, 3, 24)
7. "They suffer in the afterlife due to their understanding." (Mu., Vā. Nā.)