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Atma-Siddhi
177
(even the desire of liberation disappears during the last stages of self-realiztion'). Fifth, one has to find association of a true teacher and obey his advice with the concerted faculties of mind, body, and speech. Sixth, one develops noble behaviors that are facilitated by the association of true teacher. Seventh, one develops true compassion for all. The emphasized order of these soul-liberating requirements may change, but these are responsible for the generation of a favorable soul environment that reinforces noble thoughts, generates paindestroying bliss, creates self-enlightenment, vanquishes delusions, and helps one attain liberation.
Liberation path remains the same in different religious traditions and these traditions also stress central importance of finding a true teacher for soul-liberation purposes. In Bhagavad-Gita, for example, the necessity of having a true teacher has been indicated in Chapter 4 and this chapter also describes transcendental knowledge, path to self-realization, requirements for following the liberation path, characteristics of a self-realized person, and qualifications of a true teacher. Other chapters of Bhagavad-Gita elaborate on the themes of soul entanglement in the material world, what to give up and what to gain for self-realization, how to live above the three modes of nature, what is perfect renunciation, and how finally to attain soul-liberation. 18
Six Padas (Spiritual Steps)
(Verses 42-44) In the form of a dialogue between the disciple and true teacher, these verses point to the six spiritual steps that give rise to noble thoughts and show the liberation path. It is indicated that soul is a being, is eternal, is the doer of karmas, is the enjoyer/sufferer of karmas, is the revealer of right faith, and is the explorer of own means of liberation. Briefly these six aspects of soul conception have been compared to be the six philosophies. Learned personages have described this highest ideal of six Padas for the knowledge of others.
The verses here refer to the significance of six Padas
G.T.R.-12
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