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## The Characteristics of the Supreme Arhan, Possessing Four Atishayas
**Verse 4 & 5 of the Yoga Shastra, Second Light**
The praise of the Lord, the performance of Anjali Puja, the glorification of His virtues, and the enjoyment of the nectar of Dharmadeshana create a kind of competition among people. When even the gods are seen worshipping Him, then the true vision of His Devadidevatva (Supreme Divinity) is realized.
The epithet "Yatha-sthita-artha-vadi" (one who speaks the truth of a thing as it is) reveals the Lord's Vachana-atishaya (excellence of speech). One who speaks of a thing in its true form, as it is, can be called a Yatha-sthita-artha-vadi. As stated in the Veetrag Stuti: "Even if we want to test you impartially, we know for sure that we cannot compare you, the Veetrag Deva, with the Ragi-Dveshi Deva (passionate-hateful god). Because your quality of speaking the truth as it is, is considered to be a binding nectar that automatically restricts the qualifications of other gods." (A-yog 32:22)
Whether the bowing down by the likes of Surendra is considered as disregard for others by you, or whether you are considered equal to others, how can others disregard you because of your quality of speaking the truth as it is? (A-yog 12)
The Devadidev Arhan - the word "deva" is derived from the root "divu kreeḍa vijigīshu..." which, according to word etymology, means "divyate iti devaḥ" - that which is worshipped or praised is a deva. Such a deva, possessing the aforementioned powers and characteristics, can only be the Supreme Lord, the Devadidev Arhan, and no other. ||4||
Now, an earnest request is being made to worship, serve, and be devoted to such devas possessing four Atishayas, to accept their rule (Dharma-sangha), to meditate with them in front, and to seek their refuge. ||61||
**Verse 5**
**Dhyatavyo'yam upasyo'yam ayam saranam ishyataam | Asyaiva pratipattavyam, shasanam cetana'sti cet ||5||**
**Meaning:** If you have the consciousness-intellect to discern between right and wrong, then you should meditate on such a deva, worship him, seek his refuge, and accept his rule (Dharma-sangha). ||5||
**Explanation:** One should meditate on such a Devadidev possessing Atishayas, in the form of Pindastha, Padastha, Roopastha, and Roopateet, like King Shrenik. King Shrenik meditated on the color, form, institution, and strength of the Shraman Bhagwan Mahavira Swami, and his 34 Atishaya-filled yogic qualities. Due to the influence of this meditation, he will become the first Tirthankara named Padma-nabha in the coming 24th cycle, possessing the same color, form, institution, strength, and Atishayas. We have also said in praise: "You have previously meditated on Mahavira Paramatma with a focused mind, so you will surely be a Tirthankara with the same form." Truly, the effect of yoga is amazing! The Agam also says: "Just as Arihant Shri Mahavira Bhagwan is endowed with good conduct and morality, you will be endowed with the same good conduct and morality in the form of Shri Padma-nabha Arihant." Therefore, one should serve and worship this deva. The condemnation of our misdeeds and the approval of our good deeds can save us from the fear and suffering of the world, with the help of this deva. Therefore, desire to take refuge in him. Do not accept other rules (Dharma-sangha) described (instructed) by men devoid of the aforementioned Atishayas, but accept the rule of the Devadidev Veetrag, possessing the aforementioned characteristics. If you have consciousness (the power of knowledge to discern between right and wrong), then meditate on the deva possessing the aforementioned characteristics. In fact, the advice given to a conscious person is successful, while the advice given to a person devoid of consciousness (discriminating intellect) is futile. It is also said: "Crying in the forest, massaging a dead body, trying to straighten a dog's crooked tail, playing music for a deaf person, sowing lotus seeds in the ground, and rain falling on barren land - all these things become futile, just as the advice given to an ignorant person goes in vain." ||5||
**Now, the characteristics of Adev are described.**
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