Atma the Self

Author(s): Punyadarshanvijay
Publisher: Sanmarg Prakashan

Page 80

.... ĀTMĀ
The Self....
B3) Three Guptis : Control Restraints in - Thought, Speech and Deed. B4) Twelve kinds of Bhāvanā = Reflections, mental meditation.
II. (C) 'Tapa' = penance - Twelve types - Six exterior and Six interior.
Daily prayers - 'Pratikramana' - Self - introspection for transgressionsrepentance, confession and expiation.
III. 'Moksa' : Liberation. The magnificent region where liberated 'Pureselves' settle down with eternal life - without form. Infinite omniscient knowledge - cognizance - energy, incomparable super-natural bliss, equality with all Souls, i.e. 'Siddhatwa' - the 'Godhood' - 'Supreme Divine'.
The path of renunciation is the path of a razor's edge. It is for a fortunate few and not for all. Non-attachment and the knowledge of the self are two important pre-requisites in the path.
Those who are not in a positon for one or the other reason to undertake the five great vows and be a Sramaņa (Jaina monk), for them, there is a 5th stage of spiritual advance, there are twelve Anuvrata - (minor vows) partial renunciation.
The first Group of five vrata (Anuvrata) is similar to 'Mahāvrata' but is lenient and liberal, easier to practise by 'Shravaka' (Layman).
The second Group of three Guņavrata = attributes/virtues, supports and is helpful to the first five.
The last Group of four is 'Sikşā Vrata', literally disciplinary, when you are practising them you are making preparation for the Monk's life.
Beginners - desirous of spiritual upliftment should begin with '35 rules for Mārganusāri' (to reach on to the path) to acquire the True Religious Insight (Samyag Drsti) which is the 4th stage of spiritual advancement.
All the above mentioned persons are the members of the 'Sangha'.
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