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## The Eleven Images of a Shravak
**Yoga Shastra, Third Light, Verses 146-147**
It is said, "In liberation and in existence, the best Muni is devoid of attachment everywhere." This means that the best Muni is one who is completely detached from liberation and existence. In this way, the aspirations of a Shravak gradually increase.
The first verse describes the aspiration for attachment to Jain Dharma, the second verse describes the aspiration to accept the conduct of the Sadhus, the third verse describes the aspiration to attain excellent character along with the practice of Sadhu Dharma, the fourth verse describes the aspiration to attain the state of non-attachment, including Kayotsarga, the fifth verse describes the aspiration to become trustworthy to all beings, and the sixth verse describes the aspiration to reach the state of Paramasamayik.
**Verse 146**
**Meaning:** To ascend the ladder of qualities (Gunasthanas) leading to the palace of liberation, one should aspire for the above-mentioned aspirations, which are like the roots of a vine of supreme bliss.
**Meaning:** Just as a vine grows from its roots, so too does the supreme bliss of Paramasamayik manifest from these aspirations. Therefore, one should contemplate these seven verses and their aspirations.
**Verse 147**
**Meaning:** A Shravak who diligently follows the Shravak conduct throughout the day and night, and who practices the eleven images of a Shravak as described in the scriptures, even while being a householder, becomes purified by the destruction of his sins.
**What are these images?**
The practice of these images purifies even a householder Shravak. These are called the Eleven Images of a Shravak:
**Image** refers to a specific vow of practice, in which the Shravak, with determination, diligently follows the Yamas and Niyamas that they have accepted. There are eleven images for a Shravak:
1. **Darshan-Pratima:** For one month, continuously and without deviation, one should practice pure Samyagdarshan, free from doubts and other defects, adorned with qualities like calmness, and embellished with virtues like stability. This should be done without fear, greed, shame, or other obstacles.
2. **Vrat-Pratima:** For two months, continuously and without deviation, one should practice the twelve vows, along with the practice of the previous image.
3. **Samayik-Pratima:** For three months, continuously and without deviation, one should practice pure Samayik, free from the 32 defects, twice a day, with diligence, along with the practice of the previous images.
4. **Paushdha-Pratima:** For four months, continuously and without deviation, one should practice Paushdha on every Chaturmashi, along with the practice of the previous images.
5. **Kayotsarga-Pratima:** For five months, on every Chaturmashi, one should practice Kayotsarga, remaining immobile throughout the night, either inside the house, at the doorstep, or in the courtyard, while practicing the previous four images.
6. **Brahmacharya-Pratima:** For six months, continuously and without deviation, one should practice Brahmacharya with Trikaran-Yoga, along with the practice of the previous images.
7. **Sachittavarjan-Pratima:** For seven months, one should abstain from consuming food that has been touched by the mind.
8. **Aranbhavarjan-Pratima:** For eight months, one should abstain from initiating any action.
9. **Preshya-Varjan-Pratima:** For nine months, one should abstain from causing others to initiate any action.
10. **Udishtvarjan-Pratima:** For ten months, one should abstain from consuming food that has been prepared for oneself.
11. **Shramanabhoot-Pratima:** For eleven months, one should leave behind the company of family and friends, wear the robes of a Sadhu, including a Rajoharan and a Patra, and practice like a Sadhu. One should shave their hair or cut it short. One should live in a secluded place, such as a Gokul or Upashraya, and practice by begging for food. When begging, one should say, "Give alms to the Shramanopasaka who is practicing the images," and then accept the food. One should give the giver of alms...