Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## The Twenty-First Chapter
**491** The ocean of existence, born from the potency of their own actions, is extremely difficult to cross. It is filled with whirlpools of afflictions and teeming with creatures of vices.
**152-153** The wise monk should contemplate this ocean of existence, which is traversable only by the boat of right knowledge. This ocean is vast, deep, and impossible to cross for those who are attached to possessions.
**154** What is the point of saying more? The entire expanse of the Agamas, filled with hundreds of divisions of the principles, is worthy of contemplation for the purification of the soul.
**155** This contemplation of Dharma, supported by the state of non-distraction, remains stable for a moment within, and attains supreme excellence only in those who are free from distraction (those who have attained the seventh stage of spiritual development).
**156** This contemplation of Dharma, which is nourished by the three auspicious hues of yellow, red, and white, and which holds supreme purity, is found in the fourth stage of spiritual development, accompanied by right faith, as per the scriptures. It is also found in the fifth and sixth stages, but in a lesser degree. This means that the contemplation of Dharma is present in these stages, but with varying intensity. It is essential to have right faith to contemplate Dharma, as without it, one cannot have faith and understanding of the true nature of things. The contemplation of those who are deluded and have weak passions is called a good feeling.
**157** This contemplation of Dharma, empowered by the suppression of passions, grows and bears excellent fruit. It is embraced by the most intelligent and wise sages.
**158** This contemplation of Dharma, which has earned its name due to its adherence to the principles of things and whose objects of contemplation have been described in detail, should be contemplated repeatedly.
**159** The external signs of this contemplation of Dharma are: a cheerful mind, enthusiasm for Dharma, good conduct, study of excellent scriptures, a stable mind, and a special interest (love or faith) arising from the teachings (scriptural pronouncements) and one's own knowledge.
**160** These are the signs of Dharma that are internal, and the good feelings and various auspicious emotions mentioned earlier are external.
**151** Also, contemplate the qualities of the living beings, such as the Prana, Bhoktarpana, and Darshan.
**Notes:**
1. जलजन्तुसमूहः - Group of aquatic creatures
2. परिग्रहवद्भिः - By those who are attached to possessions
3. नयभेद- - Divisions of principles
4. धर्म्यध्यानम् - Contemplation of Dharma
5. परमप्रकर्षम् - Supreme excellence
6. असंयतदेशसंयतप्रमत्तेषु - In those who are restrained in some areas but unrestrained and distracted in others
7. सहायविजृम्भितम् - Empowered by the suppression of passions
8. महाप्राज- - Great sages
9. वस्तुयथास्वरूप - The true nature of things
10. शुभपरिणाम - Auspicious results
11. आज्ञा नान्यथावादिनो जिना इति श्रद्धानम् - Faith in the Jinas, who are the non-deceitful teachers
12. अधिगमः प्रवचनपरिज्ञानम् ताभ्यां जाता रुचिः - Interest arising from understanding the teachings and one's own knowledge