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## An Explanation of Namostuthunam
This is verse 123 from the third chapter of the Yoga Shastra. It says: "Those who establish the Tirtha are called Tirthankaras." A Tirtha is that which helps one cross the ocean of Samsara (the cycle of birth and death). The four-fold Sangha, consisting of Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks, and Shravikas, is the foundation of the Tirtha, as is the first Ganadhara.
The Bhagavan Mahavira was asked, "O Bhagavan, who is a Tirtha?" He replied, "O Tirtha-rupa Gautam, the Tirthankara is the Tirtha. By this rule, the Arihant is the Tirtha, the four-fold Shri-Sangha is the Tirtha, and the first Ganadhara is the Tirtha." (Bhagavati 20/8)
Those who establish or create the Tirtha are called Tirthankaras. Kevalgyan (omniscience) arises only when all karmas are destroyed. This is not true, however, as Kevalgyan arises when the four ghatikarma (destructive karmas) are completely destroyed. The four aghatikarma (non-destructive karmas) remain in the Kevali, but they do not hinder his Kevalgyan. Kevalgyan is revealed when the four ghatikarma, including Gyanavaraniya, are destroyed. Only the Arhat Kevalgyani can establish the Tirtha.
The liberated Kevalis, or those who have attained liberation by destroying all eight karmas simultaneously, cannot become Tirthankaras. Therefore, it is said, "Salutations to the Tirthankaras who establish the Tirtha."
Many people say that these Tirthankaras attain Bodhi-gyan (enlightenment) through the grace of Sadashiva. Their scriptures provide evidence for this: "Maheshanugrahat Bodhi-niyamaviti," meaning, "Through the grace of Mahesh, Bodhi-gyan and (Shouch, Santosh, Tap, Swadhyay, Dhyan) are attained." However, this statement is not true. Therefore, it is said, "Sayansambuddhanam," meaning, "They become self-enlightened (Sambuddha) by themselves, without the teachings of others, due to the maturity of their Bhavyatva (potential for liberation) and other qualities. They know the true nature of reality." Therefore, salutations to those who have attained enlightenment by themselves.
Although they attain enlightenment through the teachings of their Gurus in their previous births, in their Tirthankara-bhavas (lives as Tirthankaras), they are independent of the teachings of others. They attain enlightenment by themselves. Although in the Tirthankara's bhavas, the Lokantik Devas (celestial beings) say, "Bhayavan Tittham Pavatteh," meaning, "O Bhagavan, you should engage in establishing the Tirtha," the Bhagavan accepts the initiation. However, just as a king acts or departs based on the words of the Kalgyanpak-Vaitalik (astrologer), the Tirthankaras accept initiation voluntarily based on the request of the Devas, not their teachings.
Having explained the general qualities of the one worthy of praise, we now explain the specific qualities: "Purishuttamanam, Purisisihanam, Purisavarapundariyanam, Purisavaragandhatthyanam." This means, "Purish" refers to one who resides in the body, hence called "Purush." Those who reside in a body with an excellent form due to the rise of specific virtuous karmas, and who are also excellent beings by nature and superior in Bhavyatva and other qualities, are called "Purushottama." These Purushottama are as follows:
* They are accustomed to helping others until the end of their Samsara.
* Their worldly pleasures are secondary to them.
* They act appropriately in all situations.
* They never become humble.
* They begin only those tasks in which they can succeed.
* They think deeply and resolutely.
* They are masters of gratitude.
* They have a mind free from suffering.
* They have the utmost respect for Devas and Gurus.
* Their intentions are serious.
A rough and unpolished gem of the highest quality, even when extracted from the mine, is superior to glass. However, when it is polished and shaped, it becomes even more beautiful, and then there is no comparison to glass. Similarly, there is no comparison to the Arihant Paramatma. They are superior to all.
This refutes the belief of the Buddhists who say, "Nasti ih kashchidabhajnam sattvah," meaning, "There is no being in this world who is unworthy." All beings are worthy of all virtues. Therefore, all beings can become Buddhas. This is refuted because all beings cannot become Arihants; only Bhavyas can become Arihants.
The disciples of the Sanskrit Acharya, who believe in the reality of external objects and the unreality of metaphors, say, "Those who are worthy of praise cannot be compared to anything, because Heenaadhikaabhyamupma mrishya," meaning, "It is false to compare the worthy of praise to something inferior or superior." To refute this view, it is said, "Purishisihanam," meaning, "Like a lion among men." Just as a lion possesses courage, ferocity, bravery, patience, and other qualities, the Arihant Bhagavan is also courageous in overcoming enemies in the form of karmas, fierce in destroying karmas, invincible in not tolerating anger, which is the result of defeat, a great warrior who is not defeated by attachment, etc., powerful, energetic, and famous for his bravery in austerity. They disregard the opinions of others, are not afraid of upsargas (obstacles), do not worry about nourishing their senses, do not regret walking the path of restraint, and remain steadfast in good thoughts. Therefore, due to these qualities, the Arihant Bhagavan is like a lion among men.