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## The Cultivation of Good Karma: A Seed of Dharma in the Land of Dharma
(315) One who is born in an un-Aryan land, even their human birth is wasted. This is because the attainment of Dharma is rare in such a land. Even if Dharma is present, it is likely to be lost. Therefore, an Aryan land is equally essential for the attainment of Dharma.
"Aryan" refers to those who have quickly distanced themselves from all unworthy, discardable Dharmas. They are honorable people who do not engage in un-Aryan actions like violence, deceit, lust, and attachment. They practice the virtues of right food, right speech, and right conduct. The land where such cultured Aryans reside is called an Aryan land.
There are six types of Aryans: those who are Aryan by land, by caste, by family, by karma, by knowledge, and by language. Those born in the fifteen Karmabhumi are considered Aryan by land, and so on.
The fifteen Karmabhumi are: the five Bharat, the five Arvat, and the five Videh, excluding Devakuru and Uttar Kuru. These are called Karmabhumi because they are the birthplace of the Tirthankaras, the enlightened beings who are the knowers, doers, and teachers of the path of liberation, the path of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. It is here that those who are born attain liberation, not elsewhere. Therefore, these Karmabhumi are the lands of liberation. They are called Karmabhumi because they are the lands where the efforts for liberation, the efforts of karma, are successful and lead to liberation.
However, even if one is fortunate enough to be born with the precious seed of Dharma, the seed of a noble human birth, and even if one is born in an Aryan land, such as the Bharat, Arvat, or Videh, what is the use if one does not sow this seed, nurture it, and cultivate it with good karma? Such a person is undoubtedly foolish, for they waste this precious human birth, they do not strive for self-liberation, and they do not fulfill their purpose.
Just as a seed that is not sown in suitable soil, nurtured, and cared for will rot and perish, so too will the seed of Dharma. But if it is sown in fertile ground, it will multiply into millions, billions, trillions, countless, infinite seeds. For example, a small seed of a banyan tree, when sown, grows into a large banyan tree. This banyan tree contains countless seeds, each of which produces countless more seeds. Thus, the cycle continues infinitely.
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* "Bapatrathah Sadho Ruttih Ba:" - Sri Shilaankaacharyakut Suyagdang Tika.
"Martaiyatvaar Sharshamoomachodchattr Revanuyuttaravu:" - Sri Tatvaarthasutra