________________
Jaina Path of Purification (Liberation)
to attain vision of truth. One must reflect on these rarities. He who does not know the immense soteriological value of human existence, and wastes it in the pursuit of pleasures or in the acquisition of worldly possessions is like a person who burns precious jewels for ashes. The jewel of right inclination towards, or faith in, or vision of, the truth is the most precious jewel, and it is attained after suffering for innumerable aeons in the course of endless cycle of transmigration.
One cannot easily attain the human birth, good education, good company, etc. Even when one has gained all these, one may still find it very difficult to acquire right attitude or the vision of truth; even after attaining all those former things, if one surrenders to the terrible goblin of pride, one loses all one's gains. In the name of religion and sect, we foster pride and consequently create obstacles in the attainment of bodhi (vision of truth). Thus, to contemplate on the rarity of the attainment of vision of pure truth is called bodhidurlabha-bhāvanā.
(12) Reflection on dharmasvākhyātatva
Dharma means religion, path of purification and spiritual welfare.
Dharma is called svakhyāta or 'well expounded', because it is good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, and because it announces the life of purity that is wholly perfect and immaculate with meaning and with detail. Moreover, it is called svākhyāta, because it has been proclaimed for the good of all beings, without any discrimination of class, caste, creed, race, etc. It is described as well expounded, also because it has been well imparted, effecting synthesis of seemingly contradictory interpretations or expositions and making them harmonious and consistent. Again, it is described as well expounded, because while expounding it the large-hearted, open-minded, noble expounder has incorporated all the good points or elements, accepting them from anywhere and anybody. Narrow outlook, sectarianism, etc., have been given no place into it. It is well expounded, because it is effectual for guidance, it is conducive to peace, and also because it has been imparted by one who is supremely Enlightened.
One should contemplate on the greatness and glory of dharma. Dharma includes both philosophy and religion, theory and practice of good life, ascetic culture and ethical behaviour. Liberation of the soul from all the impurities is the ultimate aim of dharma or religious culture. Dharma is that which takes one to the cherished goal of liberation. It destroys karmas,
Jain Education International
95
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
