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SHABDA SAPTIKA : ELEVENTH CHAPTER
INTRODUCTION
The title of eleventh chapter is Shabda Saptika. The sense-organ of hearing or ear is meant for hearing word or sound. Verse 323 of Niryukti mentions—In order to enhance his practice of discipline or the trio of knowledge, perception and conduct and make it refulgent, an ascetic, with the help of his ears, should listen the message of the scriptures; lofty words of beneficent teachings of his preceptor; call of the suffering and destitute; words inspiring him to pursue his duty; songs of obeisance of the Detached; panegyrics and devotional songs by learned sages; descriptions of virtues with attributes like ahimsa. All this is desired or commendable listening. But if he jumps with joy at words of his praise or fame and boils with anger at words of criticism or abuse; and if he gets fond of or attached to lilting sound of musical instruments or other such pleasant sound and is filled with hatred and dislike for piercing, unpleasant and harsh sound, it is neither desired nor commendable. In this chapter the inspiration, desire and craving to hear sweet and pleasant sounds has been proscribed. Attachment and aversion both cause bondage of karmas but it is very difficult to renounce attachment. This chapter titled Sound Septet contains advise to be away from (1) wish, (2) longing, (3) infatuation, (4) attachment, (5) covetousness, (6) fondness, and (7) obsession for any attractive, beautiful, lovely or pleasant sound or word. That is why it is called Sound Septet.
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