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Ätmasiddhi
There is only one path of supreme
bliss for all the time; the practice, that leads to that
bliss, is worth adopting.
Explanation & Discussion:
Supreme bliss lies in the state of liberation. One should therefore resort to the path of liberation. That path is the same at all times, but happens to be laid down in differing terms. For instance, Tattvärtha Sutra (I-1) states: "Samyagdarshanajnänachäriträni Mokshamärgah". It means that the path of liberation consists of right perception, right knowledge, and right conduct, all in unison. Another scripture states: "Inänakriyäbhyam Mokshah", which means that the liberation can be attained by knowledge and practice together. On the face of it, the two Sutras would look different. But there is actually no difference. The difference between the two appears only because the latter Sutra takes perception as implicit in knowledge. As such, the difference is only apparent. It is the scriptural style to put the same thing in different words for emphasis on a certain aspect.
The different theologies, however, prescribe the path of liberation differently. Vedänt, for example, lays down one path, while Buddhism lays down another. That happens on account of viewing the same objective from different perspectives. As such, an aspirant may wonder which one he should adopt. It is therefore said here that there cannot be different paths for attaining liberation. To know the soul, to become convinced of its existence, and to stay in tune with its nature constitute the path to liberation. That path has been laid down after taking into consideration all the various perspectives. As such, it remains
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