Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 46

.... ÁTMĀ
The Self....
and eliminate the Karman already accumulated (Bandha) in the space points of the Soul before they come into realization. Through the eradication of physical cause he succeeds in restricting new Karman as well as through the methodical subjugation of the senses and the twelve 'Tapas'-penance in annihilating (Nirjarā) the potential Karman already in existence, he will become free from all Karman. Then all obstacles are automatically overcome. Thus released from the power of Karman he can make manifest his own innate capabilities and achieve 'Eternal Bliss' - the Mõkşa.
No Commandments :
There are no 'Divine Orders - Commandments', in Jainism Commands are sacrosanct and any violation thereof results in untold sin (Woe). Once a command is disobeyed, one who disobeys and the one who issues order are both equally guilty, responsible for a wrong. Therefore spiritual leaders and preceptors do not issue commands.
The 'Omniscient Spiritual Teachers' (Arhats) show right path travelled by them and right conduct practised by them in their journey to salvation. Their guidance, advice and teachings are generally considered as commands and followed accordingly.
For spiritual advancement one has to know three important points :
1) 'Hēya' - worth discarding. 2) Uñēya' - worth knowing. 3) 'Upsd@ya' - worth achieving.
These are explained in great details in Jaina-Scriptures. The brief and precise form thereof is 'The Nine Elements': The Nine Elements : 1) Jiya - living beings.
without life. III) Punya - merit, weal. IV) Pāpa - sin-demerit.