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7.13]
The primary qualification of a true vow-taker is to be free from 'shalya'. 'Shalya' refers to the afflictions of the mind, and it is primarily these afflictions that affect spiritual or worldly life. For this reason, harmful tendencies such as violence have been categorized into five parts, leading to the description of five faults. These faults have changed over time and vary by region, but it is sufficient to understand that the essence lies in renouncing the attachments, aversions, and delusions encompassed in these tendencies. Thus, there exists no question of which fault among the five, including violence, is principal or should be abandoned first or last. In the broad interpretation of the fault of violence, all faults such as untruth are included. Similarly, in the broad interpretation of untruth or theft, all remaining faults are included. This is why those who regard non-violence as the principal virtue encompass all faults, including untruth, within the fault of violence, understanding the renunciation of only violence as the renunciation of all faults. Conversely, those who regard truth as the ultimate virtue consider all faults to be contained within untruth, perceiving the renunciation of untruth as the renunciation of all faults. Likewise, those who regard contentment, celibacy, etc., as principal virtues understand in the same manner.
The primary qualification of a true vow-taker is to be free from 'shalya'. A true vow-taker is not simply one who partakes in vows of non-violence, truth, etc. The one essential condition for becoming a true vow-taker is the renunciation of 'shalya'. In summary, there are three types of 'shalya': 1. hypocrisy, deceit, or fraudulent behavior, 2. desire for sensual pleasures, and 3. false beliefs—lack of faith in the truth or insistence on untruth. These three faults are mental. They disturb both the mind and body, preventing the soul from ever being healthy. Even if a person with an afflicted soul takes vows for any reason, they cannot concentrate on adhering to them. Just as a thorn or sharp object that pierces a limb troubles the body and mind, preventing concentration, these mental faults create similar disturbances. Hence, the renunciation of these faults is deemed essential as the first condition for becoming a vow-taker.