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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
SS
Next to God and preceptor there are four sources of philosophical knowledge. They are (1) Darshan (philosophy), (2) Juana (knowledge), (3) Charitra (conduct) and (4) Thapa (Penance). All beings in Samsar lake lelight in plıysical and sensual pleasures. But those blessed beings that take delight in metaphysical and transcendental knowledge attain spiritual progress.
Darshan is interest in Dharma Shastras. Interest needs the eyes of wisdom. By means of wisdom, interest hecomes chastened. Interest devoid of wisdom is blind adoration. Therefore mere interest in Dharma shastras is not adequate. There is the need for making a deep study of the scriptures. Knowledge is the name given to the opening of the eyes of the intellect. We can attain knowledge by the study of the scriptures; by listening to discourses and by having discussions with those who are enlightened. Character is the name given to the conduct that is inspired by the kuowledge obtained from a deep study of the shastras. This contains five congregations in the form of pravriththi and three concealed principles in the form of Nivruthi. Tapas is the name given to the process of tolerating with calmness and equanimity all the twenty four impediments like hunger, thirst, cold and heat etc., and the various difficulties and obstacles in our endeavour to develop a noble character. In the shastras, there are rescriptions of six external austeri
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