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**Self-Time Statement of Authority**
The attainment of perfection is achieved only through the establishment and practice of one's own principles, and not through any other means. Before attaining liberation, a human being should be in control of their senses and mind. In this way, all their desires and wishes will be fulfilled.
**Commentary**
To show that the principles of the Āgama-kāra (Jain scriptures) are different from those of other schools of thought, the Āgama-kāra says that the followers of other schools, such as the Shaivas (worshippers of Shiva) and the Ekadandīs (those who carry a single staff), establish their own principles and practices. They believe that perfection is achieved through their own practices, such as initiation, following the teachings of a guru, and serving the guru's feet. They claim that perfection cannot be attained through any other means. For example, the Shaivas believe that liberation is attained through initiation, while the Ekadandīs believe that liberation is attained through the knowledge of twenty-five principles. Similarly, other schools of thought, such as the Vedantīs, believe that perfection is attained through the practice of meditation, study, and samadhi. In this way, each school of thought presents its own path to liberation.
The Āgama-kāra states that before attaining liberation, which is characterized by the cessation of all dualities (duḥkha), one attains eight types of powers in this very life through the practice of the principles laid down in their scriptures. The Āgama-kāra says that a person who is in control of their self and senses is not overwhelmed by worldly desires. All their desires and wishes are fulfilled. Before attaining liberation, a person attains eight types of powers, which are:
* **Aṇimā:** The ability to make one's body as small as an atom.
* **Laghimā:** The ability to make one's body as light as cotton.
* **Mahimā:** The ability to make one's body as large as one desires.
* **Prākaṁya:** The ability to fulfill one's desires.
* **Īśitva:** The ability to have complete control over one's body and mind.
* **Vaśitva:** The ability to control others.
* **Apratighātitva:** The ability to not be obstructed by anything.
* **Yatra-kāma-avasyāyitva:** The ability to make anything one desires last as long as one desires.