________________
237
Atmasiddhi
ગચ્છમતની જે કલ્પના, તે નહિ સવ્યવહાર; ભાન નહીં નિજરૂપનું, તે નિશ્ચય નહિ સાર.
1193311
Gachchhamatni Je Kalpanä, Te Nahi Sadvyavahär, Bhän Nahi Nij Roopanun, Te Nishchay Nahi Sär.
The concepts based on sect or creed do not constitute right practice; the view unrelated to the nature of Self
does not lead to absolute truth.
- 133
Explanation & Discussion:
There are different religions, and various sects & subsects in the same religion. People belonging to such sects and sub-sects insist that what they believe is right. That amounts to believing that truth would differ from religion to religion and creed to creed. Truth is one and indivisible. Therefore it is said that all the enlightened persons have the same belief and they hold the same opinion. As such, only what an enlightened person says should be accepted as truth, or that which accords with the nature of Self and leads to the path of liberation should be adopted as truth.
This may be acceptable in principle. But differences arise when it comes to the question of practice. Many sects and subsects arose by way of revolt against the established order. The people at the helm of affairs turned towards misusing their
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
