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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
435
Ananusthan (void observance) is the observance which is blindly carried out without any specific intention. This sort of observance proves beneficial for the lovers of religion to some extent therefore, it is declared as acceptable somehow.
Tadhetanusthan (observance with a specific intention) is the observance carried out with specific and sacred intention of securing emancipation of the soul. Obviously such observance is desirable and acceptable.
Amrutanusthan (Nectar-like-observance) is the observance marking sharp contrast with poison-like-observance. One is highly acceptable whereas the other is highly abominable. Such observance is carried out with full faith, cordial zeal, and emotions and merely for eradication of Karmas. This is the most excellent form of observance in the entire lot and therefore stands as highly acceptable and desirable.
These varieties of observance clearly show that religious rite though uniform in appearance is bound to be excellent, mediocre or mean due to accompaniment of likewise intentions. That is why one should entertain only higher and nobler kind of intentions. Those are higher and nobler kinds of intentions which aim at mere eradication if Karmas and achievement of salvation of soul and those are mean and lower ones which hanker after worldly pleasures.
Two persons, supposing, eat the same quality and quantity of food but one of them might be doing so, purely to sustain his body, to earn religious merits thereby; while on the other hand the other fellow must be doing so, to make his body muscular and robust intending to enjoy various pleasures of life. In this instance the act of the former is auspicious while the act of the latter is not so. Thus one must entertain higher and nobler aim while observing a particular religious rite.
Third factor mentioned in the stanza is the 'pure state'. How can we attain perfection or purity if we do not practise in life the preachings of the Lord though we may be devoted to them and even observe the rites laid down by Him. False belief etc. are the internal polutions of the soul. They are six : desires, wrath, greed, pride, prejudice and joy. That which pollutes the inner soul is the stigma of the Soul. Penances, muttering the names of god and meditation act as purifying agents of the Soul.
