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## Chapter 124
The Upasakadasanga Sutra has been discussed. The main point is that Chulani Pita ultimately deviated from his vows. It is essential for a Vrati or Upasaka to be vigilant at every moment, aware of the proper observance of their rules. Even so, there are certain human weaknesses, and the Upasaka's steadfastness sometimes breaks.
Inspired by a Guru, a revered person, or by self-motivation, the Upasaka suddenly becomes aware and strives to prevent such an undesirable incident from happening again in life. He remembers his resolve. He becomes as firm as a mountain. To prevent the breaking of his resolve and vows, the scriptures prescribe atonement. The Upasaka delves into his inner self, reflecting on his nature, conduct, vows, and state. In this context, the words Aalochana, Pratikramana, Ninda, and Garda are used specifically, as they are used here. While these words are generally synonymous, they have their own unique characteristics upon closer examination. This self-purifying process in the Jain tradition has its own special form, behind which lies profound psychological thinking.
The intention of Aalochana is to confess one's mistake to the Guru. This is very beneficial. It washes away the inner dirt. The word Pratikramana also has its own significance. The Upasaka addresses himself, saying, "Atman! Return to yourself, where have you gone astray?" Then comes the matter of Ninda. The Upasaka, as a witness to his own soul, silently condemns his mistake within himself. He reflects on how such a bad act could have been committed by him. He openly condemns his mistake, either directly or through feelings, which is called Garda, a very inspiring form of experiencing inner regret. To completely eradicate the thought process that led to the mistake, the Upasaka resolves to do so. Ultimately, he accepts some penance as atonement.
From a psychological perspective, this is a beautiful process that prevents such mistakes from happening again, as far as possible. The weaknesses that led to such mistakes are eliminated in some form or another.
In the present context, Chulani Pita's mother told him, "Your vows, rules, and Poshadha have been broken." The commentator explains the breaking of vows, etc., as follows: Generally, a Shravaka renounces the killing of innocent beings in the Ahimsa vow, but in Poshadha, he also renounces the killing of guilty beings. Chulani Pita, in anger, ran to destroy the tormentor, thereby violating the vow of abstaining from killing large-bodied beings in thought. This was the reason for his breaking of the vow. In Poshadha, one also renounces anger, but due to anger, the rule of Uttaraguna was broken. The breaking of the vow of non-engagement led to the breaking of Poshadha. Thus, due to the breaking of vows, rules, and Poshadha, it was necessary to perform Aalochana, etc., for purification.
## Chapter 147
Therefore, Chulani Pita, the Samana, went to his mother, the virtuous and wise Bhaddā, and said, "Thus..."