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**The Sutra Kritanga Sutra**
**Translation:**
Sri Sudharma Swami says to his followers: "Many men have crossed the ocean of the world by embracing this path. They do so in the present and will continue to do so in the future. I have heard this path from Lord Mahavira, and I will tell it to you. Listen carefully."
**Commentary:**
The author of the sutra explains the characteristics of the path: "This path has been followed by great men. They have walked on it, and it is certainly conducive to liberation. By relying on it, countless beings from the beginning of time have been freed from the defilement of karma and crossed the ocean of the world. Even in the present time, there are countless beings who are equipped with all the necessary means for liberation and are crossing the ocean of the world. The existence of Siddhas in Mahavideha and other realms is eternal, and their state of liberation is always present. Therefore, it is not contradictory to speak of liberation in the present time. In the infinite future, countless beings will follow this path and cross the ocean of the world. Thus, this path is the means of liberation from the ocean of the world in all three times. It is the only path to liberation, the path of noble conduct. It was taught by the Tirthankaras, who have attained divine knowledge, omniscience. I have heard this path well and understood it. You are eager to listen, and knowing this, I will explain it. Sri Sudharma Swami, relying on Jambuswami, says this to all beings. Therefore, to make this clear, the author of the sutra says: "Beings, listen attentively to this path of conduct that I am speaking. This discourse is intended to generate the utmost respect for the ultimate truth."
**Verse 7:**
**Translation:**
"The earth itself is a living being. There are many other living beings that dwell on the earth. Water and fire are living beings, and there are separate living beings of the air, those with air bodies. Stalks, trees, and seeds are also living beings."
**Commentary:**
"Because the path of conduct is based on refraining from harming living beings, and because this requires knowledge of living beings, the author says: "The earth itself is a living being, and those who dwell on the earth are also living beings, earth-beings. Because they have individual bodies, they are to be understood as 'separate beings.' Water is also a living being, and so are those with fire bodies. And there are other air-beings. Thus, there are separate beings who dwell on the four great elements."