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226
MOKSHA MARG PRAKASHAK
Negation of the Belief of not Becoming a Jaina
Shravaka following the Pratimas (Oaths)
Further, they (the Shwetamberas) encourage contrary practices of Shravaka-Dharma (householder's religion). They regard such persons as observers of partial vows in whose life the sins of injury to mobile beings with two or more senses and indulgence in big lies etc. are found, by causing them to accept some meaningless renunciation; and he continues to indulge in such acts in which the injury to mobile beings with two or more senses is caused; but in Deshavrata Gunasthana (fifth stage of spiritual development) eleven nonabstinences are mentioned; so, how is the injury to mobile beings with two or more senses possible there? And the eleven kinds of Pratimas (oaths) are of the Shravakas (Jaina-householders), but in your sect no Shravaka is found observing the vows of the order of tenth and eleventh Pratimas and directly becomes monk.
When asked, they say. “The Shravakas observing the vows of Pratimas are not possible in this era". Behold! Shravakas religion is difficult and the monks' religion is easy" - such contradictory statements are given by them. And they advocate less belongings and possessions to a Shravaka of eleventh Pratima and more belongings and possessions to a monk, so this is impossible. Further, they say“The Shravakas give up this Pratima after observing it for a short period”. But, if this pious practice is excellent, then, why will a devout person leave the higher grade of conduct and if it is a low grade practice, then, why will he accept it? All this is not at all possible.
Further, they support that householder's religion is possible even by offering salutation, etc. to the false deities and preceptors, etc. They argue that they do not salute them with some religious attitude; it is merely a worldly formality. But in doctrines even the act of praising and invocating them is stated as the transgression of the right belief and here for pleasing the householders, they do not oppose such practice of salutation.
Further, if you will say- “We salute them because of fear, shamefulness, sport, etc"., then on the ground of these very reasons, you should also not regard sin even in their indulgence in the acts of
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