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19 THE PATH OF SALVATION
We have already seen that the soul on account of Mithyathva etc. gathers karmas; and on account of karmas it keeps wandering in samsar. If the way opposite to this is pursued, the jiva becomes liberated from karmas and samsar; and can attain moksha or salvation. This path comprises such things as Samyag Darshan (the right faith) etc. Just as Mithyathva (False belief), Avirathi, (Vowlessness) Kashayas (Passions); Yoga (Psychophysical activities) constitute the path of samsar, the samyag darshan, samyag jn in and samyag charitra constitute the path of salvation. Here, charitra includes Tapa (spiritual austerity). Therefore, we say that Samyag Darshan, Samyag Jnan and Samyag Charitra constitute the path of salvation.
WHEN CAN WE ATTAIN THE PATH OF SALVATION ?
In this samsar, the jiva from times immemorial, on account of its own ignorance, sensuality and passions, in the beginning, was attaining life and death only in the subtle Anantkay Nigod vegetation forms. At that time, the jiva is not at all aware of such states as Badar Vanaspatikay or Prithvikay etc. or of Dwindriya state. They are said to be the jivas belonging to the Non-sentient group. If any jiva attains moksha from samsar, if its destiny is strong, then it leaves the group of non-sentient group and enters the sentient group. Actually, this kind of knowledge appears when those jivas emerge as Badar-vanaspathikay or Prithivikay etc. Then they are said to have entered the sphere of sentient beings.
There is no rule that the jiva from this level should always keep rising higher and higher. It may fall from the level of the Prithvikay and the Dwindriya to the level of low and subtle vanaspathi jivas. It is also possible that it may have to spend duration after duration at that level. It may keep rising and falling repeatedly. As this process keeps going on, it will at one time rise to the level of the Panchendriya jivas but until it reaches that level, the jiva would not have turned towards
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