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## The Essence of the Devotee:
This discourse on the nature of the devotee, the essence of the self, and its limitations, is a profound exploration of Jain philosophy. It emphasizes the inherent nature of the soul, its pure and unadulterated essence, and the limitations imposed by its interactions with the world.
The soul's true nature is its inherent essence, its pure and unadulterated self. This essence is the soul's true abode, its inherent being. This inherent nature is the soul's "svabhaav" (nature). (See footnote on page 75).
This "svabhaav" is limited by the soul's "bhaav" (emotions). The extent of the soul's "bhaav" determines the extent of its "svabhaav." It is not otherwise.
To exist and function in pure consciousness is the soul's "svabhaav-maryada" (natural limitation). This "svabhaav" is its "maryada dharma" (limitation-based dharma). Therefore, to exist in pure consciousness is to be within one's "svabhaav." To exist in any other "bhaav" is not to be within one's "svabhaav."
Because the soul's "svabhaav" is limited to pure consciousness, to exist in any other "bhaav" is to be outside of its "svabhaav." To say otherwise would be a fallacy, because the pure essence of the soul is its "svabhaav," and any other form is not its "svabhaav" but a "vibhaav" (external influence).
In essence, to exist within the limitations of one's "svabhaav," to function according to one's true essence, to remain in one's true nature, is the essence of the soul. To exist outside of these limitations, to function outside of one's true essence, is not "svabhaav" but "vibhaav."
To exist within one's "svabhaav" is to be free from all faults, to be liberated. To exist in one's true essence, to be free from all external influences, is to be pure and perfect, to be in a state of infinite virtues. This is the state of "devachandra" (the perfect being), the state of the "jinaraaj" (the victorious king).
"Devachandra" is the embodiment of this pure and perfect state, the state of infinite virtues. He is the one who has attained this state of liberation, the state of pure consciousness, the state of "svabhaav."
The text then goes on to discuss the concept of "anantarakshanamutiratmamud" (the absence of the soul in the past and future moments). This concept is explained in detail, emphasizing the eternal nature of the soul and its existence beyond the limitations of time.
The text concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding the true nature of the soul and its limitations. It emphasizes the need to strive for liberation, to attain the state of "svabhaav," and to become like "devachandra," the embodiment of pure consciousness and infinite virtues.