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## Chapter Seven
**71188697** The absence of delusion does not lead to unconsciousness, thus proving the absence of attachment. Furthermore, since knowledge, perception, and conduct are not objects of attachment and are inherent qualities of the soul, they are not subject to attachment. However, passions like attachment, aversion, and delusion arise from karmic activity and are not inherent qualities of the soul, making them objects of attachment. Therefore, the intention to possess them is considered attachment. All vices stem from this root. When the intention "this is mine" arises, it leads to actions like protection and preservation. These actions inevitably lead to violence. To achieve these ends, one resorts to falsehood, theft, and sexual misconduct. These actions result in various forms of suffering in hell and other realms.
**8696** This chapter explains the characteristics of a person who observes the vices of violence, etc., and whose mind is devoted to the virtues of non-violence, etc., and who strives diligently to practice these virtues. Such a person, who observes the vows of non-violence, etc., is known as:
**A person free from the "arrow" (शल्य) is a vow-keeper (व्रती) || 18 ||**
**8697** The word "शल्य" (arrow) is derived from the root "शृणाति हिनस्ति" (to pierce, to injure). It signifies anything that causes pain. When a thorn or other sharp object enters the body, it is called a "शल्य". Similarly, any mental or physical affliction is also referred to as a "शल्य". Just as a thorn causes harm to living beings, karmic afflictions, which cause mental and physical suffering, are also considered "शल्य". There are three types of "शल्य":
* **Maya-Shalya (Illusionary Arrow):** This refers to deception, trickery, and cunning.
* **Nidana-Shalya (Cause-Arrow):** This refers to the desire for worldly pleasures and possessions.
* **Mithyadarshan-Shalya (False Perception Arrow):** This refers to belief in falsehoods and lack of faith in truth.
A person who is free from these three types of "शल्य" is called a "Nishshalya Vrati" (a vow-keeper free from the arrow).
**Objection:** One might argue that a person is called a "Vrati" (vow-keeper) because they observe the vows, not because they are free from the "Shalya". Just as Devadatta is not a king because he is associated with a scepter, but because he possesses the qualities of a king.
**Response:** The objection is not valid because the phrase "प्रमत्तयोगात्" (due to negligence) is applicable here. A person who possesses knowledge, perception, and conduct, and is free from negligence, does not experience delusion. This absence of delusion proves the absence of attachment.