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114
I am the Soul
question that arises is, how come in the Namokar Mahamantra, the first salutation goes to Arihant and then to Siddha?
The answer to this question is also explained in this Gatha of 'Atmasiddhi Shastra'. Those who have attained the Siddha state are not amidst us. Then what is their real form? And what is the effort required to achieve that real form? If there is somebody who can explain that, it is Arihant Bhagawant alone. Had Arihant not elucidated the real form of Siddha to us, then we would never have known and no jiva would ever have been inspired to make an effort to achieve that form.
Arihant Bhagwant also told us that the form of all jivas is just like that of Siddha and that it can be achieved by a proper effort. How very reassuring!
Once an Indian asked Bernard Shaw, "Look, you have studied all the philosophies - religions of India. Now if you were to be born again in India, which faith would you prefer?"
Shaw replied with a smile. "In the Jain faith".
"Why so? India has a majority of Hindus. Jains are only a minority. A minuscule half percent. How did you choose such a minority community?"
"The speciality of Jainism is that the jiva which makes the effort attains the supreme state. Therein there is not one Supreme Soul, but everyone can become a Supreme Soul. I want to become a Supreme Soul and hence I would like to be born a Jain".
Arihant Bhagwant is the one who told us that every Jiva can make the effort and attain the state of a Supreme Soul. Hence, Arihant has been given a place of priority over Siddha Bhagwant.
Kabir too has placed Guru first among Guru and Govind. For Guru is the one who identified Govind, the Lord.
However much be one's intelligence, one's study of scriptures, one's knowledge of principles, unless the personal benevolence of the Gurudev rests within, one will not awaken to the goal of the Soul.
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