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## Fourth Study: Pratikraman
[87] For those seeking liberation, it is essential to first destroy the harmful karmas of Gnanavaraniya, Darshanavaraniya, Mohaniya, and Antaray. This should be done with knowledge and through the practice of Shabhakriya, as the soul purifies itself through Shabha and progresses towards purity. Eventually, through arduous practice, the light of knowledge blossoms within the soul. The remaining non-harmful karmas, namely Vedaniya, Nama, Gotra, and Ayukarma, are like a burnt rope, and they are destroyed in the short time it takes to utter five short syllables. Only then can the soul attain Siddhi.
The essence is that the soul can only become stable in its true state by breaking free from the karmic bonds that have been associated with it since time immemorial.
The principles of Karmavad and Atmavad, as propounded by Mahavira, are profound. Every seeker should gain complete knowledge about all the principles before embarking on the path of practice. This will enable the seeker to become fearless and naturally engage in practice, ultimately becoming a Siddha and a Buddha. In other words, they will attain eternal and imperishable liberation by becoming free from karma.
Liberation is one. It is the separation of the soul from the karmic bonds. Although liberation is of eight types, corresponding to the eight karmas (Gnanavaraniya, etc.), it is still one in terms of the general liberation. There is no difference. The liberation of a soul happens only once. A soul that attains liberation once will not be reborn, as the causes for rebirth are absent. Therefore, the state attained is permanent and irreversible. There is no need to regain it. Hence, liberation is one.
Parinivvayan: The soul is inherently upward-moving. Through right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct, the soul becomes pure, enlightened, perfectly pure, spotless, clear, radiant, and elevated. The soul, in its form of knowledge and faith, is the eternal principle. All other emotions, such as attachment and aversion, and the karmic body, are external and caused by association. "Anno jivo annam sariram" - the soul is different, and the body is different.
- Sutra Kritanga Sutra (2-1-9) The soul, devoid of material elements like words, forms, and sensual pleasures, is the one that can attain liberation. Jainism firmly believes that every soul possesses a great light that shines brightly. An ocean of bliss and eternal peace surges within it. When the consciousness of every dormant soul awakens, it becomes the Supreme Soul, free from attachment, and transforms from the small to the vast, from the insignificant to the great. Ultimately, it attains Parinirvana.
Nirvana cannot be praised. It is a place of indescribable, unparalleled, extraordinary supreme bliss that cannot even be imagined.