Enlightened Vision of the Self

Author(s): Akalankadev, Devendra K Goyal
Publisher: Radiant Publishers New Delhi

Page 83

INTRODUCTION
71
With respect to its own attributes, it shows positiveness (ridh), while with respect to others it reflects negativeness (rishedha). When viewed from the point of sensory knowledge, it has form (meta), but when considered as embodiment of knowledge or consciousness, it is without form (amnt). (8)
In addition to the above-mentioned attributes, the Soul has various other qualities also. (9)
Due to delusion or infatuation the Self gets enmeshed in the net of karmas and gets bonded, but it is fully capable of being liberated. (10)
As stated in sutra I of Tattvartha Sutra, Samag darshan jnana Charitrari moksha margah - by adopting all the three samyak darshan, (enlightened vision) samyak jnana (enlightened knowledge) and samyak charitra (enlightened conduct) collectively, the soul can be liberated. (11 to 15)
Thus, Akalanka, in the first half, has described the scientific basics of the Soul. The next half prescribes the way and means to attain self-realization or liberation. By giving up all attachments - love and hatred, passions and meditating on the true nature of the Self, exercising control on the senses, and giving up all the desires, one can realize the pure Self. In the last two pachas (verses), the author has stated that even the desire to attain moksha (liberation), hinders its attainment. So one has to be completely free of all types of desires to enable the Soul to fully liberate itself.
Two exhaustive and discursive commentaries, have been written on this grantha - one Karnataka Vritti in Kannada by Mahasena Pandit Deva and the other Svarupa Sambodhana Vritti in Sanskrit by Keshava Varyya.
Keshava Varyya, in his Sanskrit commentary, has described the purpose of the grantha as suasja bhara samshuddher nimittam - to help understand and specially cleanse one's Soul or disposition. The result of the composition has been described as sakala bhara janopakarinam - beneficial in every way for all noble beings. As regards the size and significance of the grantha, he has described it as granthenalpam analpartham - small and concise in size but fathomless with regard to the depth of its meanings.