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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GODS.
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immediately ascends to the Siddha Silá, as a pure effulgent Spirit or God, to reside there for ever, free from the impurities of matter and karmas and the pain and suffering of samsúra. This is moksha. Completely rid of all those properties and faculties which spring from the association of matter, the soul can no longer perform the functions of an embodied soul, but everlastingly enjoys all those divine attributes and privileges which appertain to all pure undefiled Spirits, i.e., Gods.
Such is the general scheme of tattvas which constitute Right Knowledge, the second of the three gems that combine to form the ratna trai of salvation. So far as Right Conduct is concerned, it comprises two sets of rules, one consisting in directions and injunctions applicable to the untrained laity and the other in those the observance of which is enjoined on munis (ascetics or saints). The reason for this division of the path into two sections is to be found, as already hinted at, in the fact that the austere life of a monk cannot be adopted by an untrained layman all at once, so that his conduct cannot. but be found wanting in respect of the vows of renunciation and self-control as compared with that of a well-disciplined saint. The layman's training is, thus, the preliminary course of asceticism, and is as essential to steady progress in the more advanced stages of the journey' as is a good foundation to a lofty edifice. The point is to develop the spirit of self-denial and renunciation in such a way as to ensure its steady sustentation. In vain shall we search for a method that shall place us at the goal on the instant. To become God it is first of all necessary
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