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THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE.
house-holder begins by worshipping the trinity of the Deva, Guru and Sâstra(scripture) which constitute the layman's ratna trai (triple jewel). The Deva (Tirthamkara) is worshipped because He is the true Guide, and because His word is the final authority in case of doubt and dispute; the guru (preceptor) is worshipped because he is the living example to guide one's footsteps in the right way, and because without his practical help it is almost impossible to cross the thorny 'path'; and the scripture is worshipped' because it is the infallible Word of God.
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The layman is also expected to observe the vows and to gradually train himself for the arduous path of asceticism, so that his perfection in the house-holder's dharma should be his passport to sanyasa and the complete renunciation of the world. Having thus qualified himself in the preparatory course, he now observes the vows and rules of conduct prescribed for saints, and whole-heartedly devotes himself to the attainment of moksha. In due course of time his passions are eradicated leaving his soul calm, placid and free from the tinge of all kinds of desire. The eradication of passions and lusts is the signal for the destruction of the remaining kinds of the ghatiya karmas of the soul, and is followed by the acquisition of Omniscience full and complete. The jiva is now styled a jivanamukta (from jivana alive, and mukta liberated), and enjoys the status of the Redeemed though still embodied in the flesh. Finally, when the force (âyuh karma) which holds the body and the soul together is exhausted, he throws off his three bodies, the kârmâna, the taijasa and the audarika (gross body) and
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