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49
Ätmasiddhi
overcoming the latter type. Restraints and austerities are laid down for that purpose.
What is required is that one should first take cognizance of his wrong tendencies and resort to restraints and austerities for overcoming the same. If that aspect is not kept in view, the wrong tendencies would continue to prevail simultaneously with observance of restraints and austerities. In that case, the observance would not serve any purpose. Restraining the wrong tendencies is therefore the essence of spiritual pursuit.
Tattvärtha Sutra (VIII-13) states: "Nihshalyo Vrati." It means that restraints are meant for those who are free from faults. The scriptures lay down deception, wrong perception and expectation of reward as three faults that hurt the most and hence need to be overcome. Those faults are indicative of one's wrong tendencies. But a sectarian does not look at his wrong tendencies and remains proud that he has been observing the restraints and austerities. He does not recognize that the ultimate purpose of observing the restraints is to gain equanimity. As a matter of fact, that is the objective of all spiritual pursuits. Observance of restraints and austerities without awareness of that purpose constitutes a lifeless ritual.
Being ignorant of that purpose, a sectarian person feels elated that he has been observing restraints and austerities. As people know about his observance, they consider him a highly religious person and give him regard and respect as such. He too feels happy to get such esteem and stays satisfied with that. Hence, if he comes across a true Guru, he would not adopt his teaching. He would feel that if he gives up the traditional approach, he would lose the respect and regard that he has gained. Thus, for the sake of maintaining his ego, he abandons the real objective of observing restraints and austerities.
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