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cannot be true, nor can it lead to truth. This stanza therefore states that those, who exclusively insist on Nishchay Naya, are Ekänti. They are far from the truth and cannot be considered as treading on the right path.
Nahi Kashäy Upashäntata, Nahi Antar Vairagya; Saralpanun Na Madhyasthatä, E Matärthi Durbhägya.
Unfortunate is the sectarian, who has not calmed down the passions, does not have inner detachment, and is neither straightforward nor impartial. (32)
Explanation & Discussion:
The spiritual level of an aspirant is governed by the presence of certain attributes, which a sectarian does not have. In order to avoid the sectarian approach one should know those attributes. This stanza describes four principal attributes, which a spiritual aspirant must hold and which a sectarian does not possess.
The first is pacification or calming down of defilement. Anger, ego, deception, and greed are the main defiling instincts that need to be calmed down, but a sectarian does not heed to that aspect on account of insistence on his own viewpoint. The second is internal detachment, which a sectarian cannot cultivate because of the same reason. The third is straightforwardness, which can come forth by overcoming vanity, deception, etc. The fourth is impartial attitude, which comes from an open mind. Only an open-minded person remains receptive; that enables him to dispassionately evaluate different viewpoints. Dispassionateness is thus the antithesis of sectarianism. As such, a sectarian fails to resort to it.
It would be easy to understand that one, who calms down the defilement, does not stay attached to the worldly aspects. Detachment is thus implied in a calmed-down state. Similarly straightforwardness and impartiality flow from such a state. Calming of defilement thus brings forth other attributes. Since a sectarian does not possess these attributes, he cannot undertake true spiritual pursuit. As such, he continues to move in the worldly cycle of birth and death.
Lakshan Kahyän Matärthinän, Matärtha Jävä Käj; Have Kahun Ätmärthinän, Ätma-artha Sukhasäj.
The characteristics of the sectarian have been stated in order to avert them; now I am describing those of the truth seeker for the sake of spiritual bliss. (33)
Explanation & Discussion:
The description of sectarian people ends here. It is not meant to put down any one. The purpose is to show the drawbacks of sectarianism, so that the aspirants can avoid the same and come to the right path. This is done impartially and out of compassion.
If one avoids the sectarian approach, he can turn to the right way of seeking truth. The characteristics of such truth seekers are laid in the next chapter. Its purpose is to draw the attention of the aspirants towards the path of bliss. The bliss is inherent within the soul, but it is not manifested at present. If one cultivates the attributes of truth seekers, he would be enabled to resort to the means of attaining the lasting bliss.
