Samkit Faith Practice Liberation

SR No.: 007764
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amit B Bhansali
Publisher: Amit B Bhansali
Publication Year: 2015
Total Pages: 447
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 7 MB

Page 83

1.2: Samyaktva: Advanced Study
1.2.1 Three Gems of Enlightenment as Means of Liberation
As explained earlier, we shall accept that liberation is the final destination of the soul, and there is a way to reach that destination. That way is known as the Jain way. Now the question that faces the seeker is, how does one achieve the goal of liberation? Irrespective of the scale of the task, any task we undertake requires using the correct means. So first of all, we make efforts to understand the means thoroughly. Only then can we use the means appropriately and attain the desired result. Since the accomplishment of the most humble and mundane tasks requires utilisation of appropriate means, the accomplishment of liberation would require us to examine with great depth and seriousness the means to attain it.
Despite having eternal capacity each soul is suppressed by the weight of karmas. The innate capacity of the soul shall help achieve liberation. And in order to awaken this capacity, we shall examine the best means and method of awakening it. Just as a tiny seed has the capacity to grow into a mighty tree, each soul is capable of attaining liberation. But just as a seed needs nurturing, the right soil, water, sunlight and fertiliser, the soul needs to make appropriate focused efforts to awaken its innate qualities of eternal knowledge, eternal perception, eternal bliss and eternal vigour. These qualities
are present in every soul and they can be brought to the fore through saadhanaa appropriate focused efforts. Many seekers realise that in order to attain liberation, they need both, the means and the end. But often, the seeker confuses the means with the end and therefore is unable to attain the desired result - liberation. Many seekers focus on the end but make mistakes in the means. Others get so attached to the means that they forget the end! Both types of seekers fail to attain the desired result
For instance, a seeker wishes to attain liberation. But he thinks that carrying out havanas {offering an oblation with fire), yagynas (fire sacrifice and balii {propitiatory offering of animals shall help him attain liberation. Hence, his focus on the end is correct, but the means that he has chosen are wrong. Such a seeker shall never attain liberation. He shall remain stuck in sansaara {transmigration.
On the other hand, a seeker takes up the vows of the ascetics and follows them really well. But in the end what he seeks is not liberation. Instead, he seeks worldly pleasures and sensual delectations in this world and in the heavens. He too shall never attain liberation since the end he has chosen (sensual fulfilment) is not conducive to liberation.