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persons who have destroyed the karmas that pollute the soul. Four karmas namely knowledge obscuring karmas, conation obscuring karmas, deluding karma and obstructive karma are Ghatiya karmas because they destroy the manifestation of real and essential attributes of the soul. Arihantas have destroyed completely these four karmas. So they have attained omniscience (perfect knowledge and perfect conation). They establish the spiritual order (Dharm Teerth) for the welfare of mundane souls that wander in the mundane worldly cycle of birth, old age and death. They are extremely beneficial and worthy since they show the path leading to the welfare of the soul. In view of these traits they are worshipped first of all.
Siddhas The Sidhas (liberated souls) have destroyed four ghatiye karmas that are the cause of wanderings in worldly cycle of birth and death. They have further destroyed the remaining four aghatiya karmas also (the karmas that do not obscure real attributes of the soul but only affect the external environment of the soul and pertain to the body.) With the elimination of said eight karmas the soul becomes liberated and remains absorbed in perfect knowledge, perfect perception and ecstatic unending natural happiness which are its fundamental qualities. It remains in this state permanently. Such souls are called Siddhas.
Siddhas do not have any physical body. They are pure souls. They are completely free from all physical or material bondage. Worldly pleasure depends on material things while ecstatic happiness of Siddhas lies in the soul itself. Since the happiness is dependent on soul itself, so it is infinite, endless and free from all obstructions. Sidhas have attained the intrinsic attributes of perfect soul. This attainment by sidhas inspires the worthy souls indirectly (to follow it). Obeisence to Sidhas is the salutation to pure self. This obeisence generates spiritually keen desire in worthy soul to manifest the natural attributes of the souls that are lying obscured.
Acharya: The Acharyas meticulously follow the code relating to right knowledge, right conation, right conduct and right austerities. They also ensure that the four-fold spiritual order also follows it properly. They belong to respectable clan, respectable family and the head of the spiritual order. In case defined as the chariot is the Acharya is its charioteer. The acharya has on his shoulders not only the duty of performing his spiritual practice but also the responsibility of ensuring proper development of spiritual organization. Since he is extremely beneficial to the order, he naturally deserves to the saluted.
आवश्यक सूत्र
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Ist Chp.: Samayik
