________________ MOKSHA THE LIBERATION 211 beings. As such, attainment of liberation is possible only in the human life. But if we take into consideration the previous lives of liberated souls, it can be said that particular number of souls attained liberation from one or another type of existence. Ling: This can be interpreted as gender as well as external symbol. From the former point of view it can be said that so many males or so many females attained liberation in a particular period. This interpretation is acceptable only to Shwetambars. From the latter point of view, various people might have adopted different symbols prior to gaining liberation. They can therefore be classified in terms of those symbols. The external symbol is, however, of no significance for attaining liberation; one can attain it irrespective of the symbol. Tirtha: Some souls attain liberation as Tirthankars, who set up the religious order. Others attain it without being Tirthankars. The liberated souls can therefore be classified as Tirthankars and non-Tirthankars. Charitra: Samayik, Chhedopasthapan, Parihar-vishuddhi, Sookshmasamparay and Yathakhyat are the five types of Charitra as mentioned in chapter 9. The last is most important, because it is not possible to attain liberation without resorting to Yathakhyat Charita. But the earlier ones also are significant. As such, the liberated ones can be classified as having observed one type of Charitra or another. Pratyekbuddhabodhit: The term covers Pratyekbodhit and Buddhabodhit. The former denotes those, who attain liberation without help from others, as is the case with Tirthankars and Swayambuddhas. The latter denotes those, who need help from Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
