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## Chapter 424: The Path to Liberation - A Detailed Explanation
**5. Sallekhana:** After self-purification, Sallekhana is a state of being where one dwells in the state of the Supreme Soul, free from passions like anger and possessing infinite knowledge and other qualities. It involves a gradual reduction of attachments and desires. **Kayaklesha Sallekhana** involves intentionally causing physical discomfort and emaciation. The period during which these practices are undertaken is known as the **Sallekhana period**.
**6. Uttamārtha Kāla:** After Sallekhana, the practice of **Tapascharya** (austerity) involves four aspects:
* **Shraddhā** (faith) in the true nature of the soul as pure knowledge and perception.
* **Jnāna** (knowledge) of the soul's true nature.
* **Āchār** (conduct) aligned with this knowledge.
* **Nirodha** (restraint) of desires for external objects.
This practice is undertaken for liberation in the current life for those who are **Charamashariri** (those who are destined to attain liberation in this life). For those who are not Charamashariri, it helps them attain the necessary qualifications for liberation in a future life. This period is known as **Uttamārtha Kāla**.
These six periods (**Sallekhana Kāla** and **Uttamārtha Kāla**) are not necessarily experienced sequentially. Some may attain **Kevalajnāna** (perfect knowledge) during the first period, others during the second, and so on.
**Dhyāna (Meditation):**
There are eight aspects of meditation:
* **Dhyātā** (the meditator)
* **Dhyāna** (the act of meditation)
* **Phalam** (the fruit of meditation)
* **Dhyeyam** (the object of meditation)
* **Yatra** (where to meditate)
* **Yasyam** (when to meditate)
* **Yathā** (how to meditate)
* **Āsana** (the posture)
**A concise explanation:**
* **Dhyātā** is one who controls their senses and mind.
* **Dhyeyam** is the true nature of reality.
* **Dhyāna** is focused contemplation.
* **Phalam** is the attainment of **Samvara** (control over passions) and **Nirjara** (elimination of karmic impurities).
This is explained in detail in the text **Tattvanushasan** which also describes three types of **Dhyātā** and three types of **Dhyāna** based on the quality of the meditator. This is due to the fact that the materials of meditation (**dravya**, **kshetra**, **kāla**, **bhāva**) are also of three types.
**Two types of meditators:**
* **Prarabdha Yogi:** Those who are in the initial stages of meditation, with subtle **vikalpa** (fluctuations of mind).
* **Nishpanna Yogi:** Those who have attained a state of pure consciousness, free from **vikalpa**.
In summary, one should understand the **Dhyātā**, **Dhyāna**, **Dhyeyam**, and **Phalam** of meditation in the language of spirituality. The fruit of meditation is the attainment of **Samvara** and **Nirjara**, leading to the growth of **paramānanda** (supreme bliss) free from passions and fluctuations.