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## Verse 161
**Translation:**
**Verse 53**
Following the previous eighteen verses, which described the relationship between the pure soul and the world in a general way, this verse now delves into the details of the three aspects of karma: **karm-kritrutva** (being the doer of karma), **bhoktṛutva** (being the experiencer of karma), and **samyuktatva** (being connected to karma). This is done through five different sections, starting with the phrase "**Jīva aṇāiṇihaṇā**" (Souls are without beginning and end).
**Explanation:**
First, the verse describes the nature and number of souls who will be discussed in relation to these three aspects of karma.
**Jīva aṇāiṇihaṇā** - Souls are without beginning and end. They are pure and eternal, existing in their true form, which is pure consciousness.
**Saṃtā-audayika-kṣāyopaśamika-aupamika-bhāvanāyā-apeksyā mādinidhanāḥ** - However, in relation to the states of **saṃtā** (existence), **audayika** (arising), **kṣāya** (decay), and **upaśamika** (subduing), they appear to have a beginning and end.
**Aṇantā ya-sādhanāntāḥ** - They are infinite in number, with no limit to their potential.
**Kasmat-sakaśāt?** - Why?
**Jīva-bhāvādo-jīva-abhāvataḥ kṣāyika-bhāvaḥ tasmāt** - Because the state of decay arises from the soul's own nature, not from something external.
**Na hi kṣāyika-bhāvasya sādittvād-antopi kila bhaviṣyatīty-āśaṅkanīyaṃ** - It is not possible for the state of decay to have an end, as it is an inherent part of the soul's nature.
**Sa hi karma-kṣaye sati kṣāyika-bhāvaḥ kevala-jñānādirūpeṇa samutpadyamānaḥ siddha-bhāva iva jīvasya sad-bhāva eva sa ca svabhāvasya vināśo nāsti ceti** - When karma is destroyed, the state of decay transforms into pure knowledge and other such qualities, becoming an inherent part of the soul's existence. Since the soul's true nature is eternal, the state of decay cannot be destroyed.
**Anādy-nidhana-sahaja-śuddha-pāriṇāmika-eka-bhāvānaṃ sādini-dhanāny-apy-audayikādibhavāntarāṇi kathaṃ sambhavantīti cet?** - If the soul is eternal and pure, how can states like **audayika** (arising) and others arise?
**Pañca-gga-guṇa-ppahaṇā ya- yadyapi svabhāvanā śuddha-astathāpi vyavahāreṇā-nādika-karma-bandha-vaśāt-sakardama-jalavada-audayikādibhavātra-pariṇatā dṛśyanta iti svārūpa-vyākhyānaṃ gataṃ** - Although the soul is inherently pure, due to the karmic bond, it appears to be impure and subject to the cycle of birth and death, like mud mixed with water. This is the explanation of the soul's nature.
**Idānīṃ saṃkhyāṃ kathayati sambhavado aṇantā-dravya-svabhāva-gaṇanayā punag-gnānāḥ** - Now, the verse explains the number of souls. They are infinite, based on the infinite nature of the soul.
**Sāntānānta-śabdāyor-dvitīya-vyākhyānaṃ kriyate-sahaṃtena saṃsāra-vināśena vartana sānnā bhanȳāḥ, na vitataḥ saṃsāra-vināśo yeṣāṃ te punar-anantā abhavyāsta ce abhavyā ananta-saṃkhyāṃ tebhyāpi bhavyā ananta-guṇa-saṃkhyāsta tebhyopya-bhavyā-samāna-bhavyā ananta-guṇā iti** - The words **sānta** (finite) and **anānta** (infinite) have a second meaning. Those who are **sānta** are those who will eventually end their cycle of birth and death. Those who are **anānta** are those who will never end their cycle of birth and death. There are an infinite number of **abhavyā** (those who will never attain liberation), and an infinite number of **bhavyā** (those who will attain liberation). And there are an infinite number of **abhavyā** who are equal to the **bhavyā** in number.
**Atra sūtre anādinidhanā anan-jñānādidhārāḥ śuddha-jīvā eva sādini-dhanamithyātvārāgādidosa-pariharā-pāṅgaṇānāṃ 'bhaya nāmu-pāda ya iti tātparyārthaḥ** - This verse emphasizes that the pure souls, who are without beginning and end, are the only ones who can truly overcome the false beliefs, attachments, and other negative qualities that lead to suffering. The phrase "**bhaya nāmu-pāda ya**" (those who have overcome fear) signifies this.
**End of Verse 53**