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All souls are like liberated ones; one who understands gets liberated. Precepts of true Guru and the state of omniscience are among the instrumental causes. (135)
Explanation & Discussion:
This is a very significant stanza, which describes the entire canon from the absolute as well as the practical view points. All souls have the same properties of perception, knowledge and bliss. From the absolute viewpoint there is therefore no difference between the liberated souls and the worldly ones. In reality, however, there is a difference. The liberated souls have manifested those properties, while the worldly ones have not. If one ignores or overlooks that reality, he will never be liberated. He, who knows the inherent attributes of soul and accepts the present reality, would definitely strive to manifest the inherent capabilities and attain liberation. The first line of the stanza therefore states that one who make out the reality can get liberated.
Every objective needs some means that become instrumental in achieving that objective. Such means are termed as Nimitta. Those means can be live or lifeless. For instance, a pot is made out of earth, while the potter, wheel, etc. are instrumental in making it. The second line of this stanza stipulates that the commandments of Guru and the state of the omniscient Lords are instrumental in attaining liberation. If therefore one wants to get liberated, he needs to carry out those commandments while keeping the state of the Lord as his objective.
The main commandment of a true Guru consists of calming down the defiling instincts. For that purpose one should remain meticulously vigilant while undertaking any activity. He should stay vigilant while moving, speaking, receiving what is needed, placing or displacing anything, and disposing of useless material. These are termed as five Samities. The state of the Lord symbolizes the steadiness of mind, speech, and body. These are known as three Gupties. These five Samities and three Gupties constitute the essence of Jain canon. They are collectively known as Ashtapravachanmätä, meaning the eightfold message of the omniscient Lord's sermon, which is as good as motherly affection.
Upädänanun Näm Lai, E Je Taje Nimitta; Päme Nahi Siddhatvane, Rahe Bhräntimän Sthit.
One, who forsakes the instrumental factors in the name of absolute
causation, would stay deluded and cannot attain the liberated state. (136)
Explanation & Discussion:
