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only before such god. The atmosphere and surroundings of such temples are replete with an aura of detachment. The image of Bhagavāna radiates the feeling of detachment. The veneration of Bhagavāna done through the image is also that of His virtues like detachment. Therefore, all this enhances the inner virtues and attitude of detachment of the devotee, helping him in his progress toward the goal of liberation. This is the secret of the veneration and worship of the Jina. We do not invoke or please the god in the temple by veneration and worship. We invoke and please the god residing in the abode of our soul. My god sits within me. On the pretext of worshipping the image I, in fact, worship the god within. I am my own god. Ācārya Pūjyapāda states --
Yah paramātinā sa evāham, yo aham sah paramastataḥ. Ahameva mayopāsyaḥ, nānyaḥ kaściditi sthitih.
That which is god is I. That which is me is god. I am worshipped by myself only (I have to do my own worship). There is no way other than this.
THE SIX ESSENTIALS FOR A HOUSEHOLDER
A householder is the primary-level member in the class of aspirants on the path of liberation. A child learns alphabet going to kindergarten. The same alphabet is useful to him in higher classes and specialized studies in all recognized fields of knowledge and science. The primary knowledge of the alphabet is the basis of all knowledge and science. The whole edifice of knowledge rests on this foundation of the alphabet. In the same way the rudimentary duties of a householder are the basis of the highest spiritual practices. It is not possible to nurture, enhance, and develop right faith-knowledgeconduct by neglecting these duties.
Six daily obligatory or essential duties (āvasyaka) have been prescribed for a householder. They are - deva-püjā (worship of a deity), gurupāsanā (veneration of the teacher), svādhyāya (self-study), sainyama (discipline), tapa (austerities), and dāna (charity). Worship of a deity (Tirthankara) crystallizes right faith and perception. Self-study enriches right knowledge. The remaining four refine right conduct. Because a householder must perform these every day they are called
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