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In the Padma Purana, it is said that there is nothing smaller than an atom and nothing bigger than the sky. Similarly, there is no friend greater than Dharma for embodied beings. (39)
When Dharma alone brings about worldly enjoyments, heaven, and the bliss of the liberated, what is the use of engaging in other activities? (40)
Those wise ones who serve Dharma, purified by non-violence, attain liberation. Others, however, go to the animal realm or lower realms. (41)
Even if those who have renounced the world, like swans, great swans, and wandering ascetics, attain higher realms through the power of their austerities, they still serve other gods as servants. (42)
Even after attaining the status of gods, they suffer the misery of hell due to their karmas and fall from heaven, returning to the animal realm in sorrow. (43)
Those who are endowed with right faith and have diligently studied the teachings of the Jinas, attain heaven and, upon falling from there, attain the supreme liberation by obtaining the three jewels. (44)
This Dharma is of two types: for householders and for monks. Those who believe in a third type of Dharma are burnt by the fire of delusion. (45)
Five Anuvratas, three Gunavratas, and four Shikshavrata constitute the Dharma for householders. (46)
Those householders who, at the time of death, renounce all beginnings, become detached from their bodies, and die with equanimity, attain a glorious destiny. (47)
Five Mahavratas, five Samitis, and three Guptis constitute the Dharma for monks. (48)
Those who are united with Dharma and are devoted to auspicious meditation, abandon this foul-smelling, repulsive body and attain heaven or liberation. (49)
Those who praise the great Brahmachari Digambara monks with devotion also attain Dharma. (50)
By the influence of that Dharma, they do not fall into evil destinies, but attain the three jewels, which liberate them from the bondage of karma. (51)
Thus, having heard this supreme Dharma spoken by the Lord of Gods, Lord Rishabhadeva, both gods and humans were filled with supreme joy. (52)
Just as a blind person desires to see, so too, it is to seek happiness without Dharma. (38)