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ping of the bonds of their residual four karmas and physical liberation is bound to occur, but, presently, their status is lower than that of Siddhas. However, while still living in the world with the physical body, they are directly playing the role of an instrument for the emancipation of souls. The Namokar Mantra has given a right direction and meaningful cue to our human-life, by making provision to first salute the Arihantas, despite their lower status as compared to Siddhas, because they are connected with the creative role of nimitta (instrumental agency) in the interest of humanity.
For efficiently executing the double role of upadan for self and instrument (nimitta) for others, the pre-requisite is correct understanding of this dual role. We can reach this understanding only when we have the conscious knowledge and acute awareness of the vastness of the entity or substance, its independence and multiplicity of attributes. This is the knowledge of tattva and its powerful realization. In classical parlance, this is called rational knowledge (samyak jñan) and rational perception (samyak darshan).
SEEKER'S RELIGION Mahavir is not a bookish man. For the liberation of the soul, He does not consider scriptural knowledge sufficient. He realized Truth by contemplation, meditation and sadhana (spiritual practice), not by books. As such, his knowledge is compulsorily linked with life. He believes, if knowledge is rational (samyak), then it will sublimate and flow in life, just as water flows automatically to lower level. The samyak jñani need not consult anyone. He himself becomes a praman (proof/authentication). Pure soul is a praman by itself. As such, Mahavir's religion is the religion of a sadhak (seeker) and not of a follower. The samyak jñani KNOWS the truth. He does not CREATE it. We, the ignorant create it. Rather, try to create it (because how can we create it?) and then argue in its favour, and finally challenge each other to debates. TRUTH is no issue to be debated by jñanis; there is only one Truth. Mahatma Gandhi had the privilege of the company of and close contact with Shrimad Rajacandra, a true follower of Mahavir. In his au
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