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## The Nature of Mithyatva, the Opposite of Samyaktv, and its Types
**Yoga Shastra, Second Light, Verses 1-3**
This verse explains the nature of Mithyatva, the opposite of Samyaktv, and its types.
**Verse 1:**
A being with subdued passions, while in the state of *Upshamik Samyaktv*, cannot experience the joy of good deeds. (Vibha. 1290) Therefore, the state of *Kshayopa-shamik Samyaktv* is like the vast ocean, encompassing 66 *Sagars*. It is said that a being in *Kshayopa-shamik Samyaktv* goes to the *Devaloka* (heavenly realm) twice and is mostly born as a human. (Vibha. 434) *Kshayopa-shamik Samyaktv* is a state that persists throughout all time, compared to all other beings. The third type, *Kshayik Samyaktv*, is the complete eradication of the four *Kshayas* (passions) - *Mohaniya* (delusion), *Ananta-anubandhi* (infinite attachments), etc. This state is infinite and eternal.
**Verse 2:**
The glory of *Samyaktv* is described in these verses: "Samyaktv is the root of the *Bodhivriksha* (tree of enlightenment), the gateway to the city of virtue, the foundation of the palace of liberation, and the treasure of all wealth. Just as the ocean is the foundation of all jewels, so is *Samyaktv* the foundation of all virtuous jewels and the vessel of the wealth of character. Just as wealth cannot exist without a vessel, so too, character cannot exist without *Samyaktv*. Who would not praise such a noble *Samyaktv*? Just as darkness cannot endure the rising sun, so too, ignorance cannot endure the presence of a person imbued with *Samyaktv*. *Samyaktv* is like a barrier that prevents the doors to the animal realm and hell from opening. *Samyaktv* is like a key that unlocks the doors to the joys of heaven, the human realm, and liberation. If a being does not have a *Ayushya-bandha* (life-span) before attaining *Samyaktv*, and does not abandon *Samyaktv* before having a *Ayushya-bandha*, then that being will not have another life-span except as a *Vaimanik Deva* (celestial being). Even if a being has only tasted *Samyaktv* for a moment and then abandoned it, they will not wander in the four realms of existence for long. And what can be said of a person who enjoys *Samyaktv* for a long time and always maintains it? Such a being will quickly become the possessor of the joy of liberation.
**Verse 3:**
The true nature of *Samyaktv* can be understood by knowing its opposite. Therefore, we will now explain the nature of *Mithyatva*, the opposite of *Samyaktv*.
**Verse 3:**
"To have the belief of divinity in something that is not divine, to have the belief of a guru in something that is not a guru, and to have the belief of righteousness in something that is not righteous, this is *Mithyatva*. It is called *Mithyatva* because it is the opposite of *Samyaktv*."
**Explanation:**
*Mithyatva* is present in a person who believes in divinity in something that is not divine, who believes in a guru in something that is not a guru, and who believes in righteousness in something that is not righteous. This is *Mithyatva* because it is the opposite of *Samyaktv*. *Mithyatva* is the belief in the non-divine, the non-guru, and the non-righteous. The direct characteristic of *Mithyatva* is to understand it as the opposite of *Samyaktv*. It should also be understood that *Mithyatva* is the belief in the non-divine in something that is divine, the non-guru in something that is a guru, and the non-righteous in something that is righteous.
*Mithyatva* is of five types: *Abhigrahik*, *Anabhigrahik*, *Abhiniveshik*, *Sanshayik*, and *Anabhogik*.
1. **Abhigrahik:** This type of *Mithyatva* is present in a person who, like a hypocrite, is skilled in defending their own false beliefs and opposing the truth.
2. **Anabhigrahik:** This type of *Mithyatva* is present in a person who, like an ordinary uneducated person, is easily swayed and believes in all gods without any critical thinking. They accept all gurus and religions without any investigation.
3. **Abhiniveshik:** This type of *Mithyatva* is present in a person who, even though they understand the truth, clings to false beliefs and, like a *Jamali* (a type of bird), denies the truth and holds onto falsehood.
4. **Sanshayik:** This type of *Mithyatva* is present in a person who is doubtful and uncertain about the truth.
5. **Anabhogik:** This type of *Mithyatva* is present in a person who does not experience the truth and therefore does not understand it.