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MOKSHA MARG PRAKASHAK
They can change or turn the body, etc. of other Jivas, only according to the rise of Punya-Papa karmas of that Jiva. If that Jiva is having the rise of Punya (auspicious karma) then the Vyantara Devas cannot make his body diseased, etc. and if he is having the rise of Papa (inauspicious karma) then Vyantara-Deva cannot do his desired work. ‘Thus, one should know the power of the Vayantara devas, etc.
Someone may ask here- "What is wrong in believing and worshipping those who possess so much power?"
Answer : When one is having the rise of Papa-karma the Vyantaras, etc. cannot cause or bestow happiness and when there is rise of Punya-karma they cannot cause misery. Moreover by worshipping them, no bondage of auspicious karmas takes place, on the other hand due to increase in attachment passions, etc., only the bondage of inauspicious karmas is caused; hence paying regard and worshpping them is not beneficial; rather it is harmful. And the Vyantaras' motive in inducing others to believe and worship them is only to make fun and no other specific purpose is there. The one who believes and worships them, with him only they continue making fun. Those who do not believe and worship them, to them they do not say anything. If at all they have any purpose then they should cause more pain and misery to those who do not believe and worship them; but those who have firm determination of not believing and worshipping them, to them they are not seen telling anything. And the purpose would lie only, if they have the suffering of hunger, etc., but such suffering is not found in them. If such suffering be there why do they not accept sweets - oblation which are offered to them? And why do they encourage the followers to serve food, etc. to others only? So, they have simply the objective of fun. If anyone becomes a party to their activity of fun, etc., then he would become miserable and feel inferiority; hence, it is not worthwhile to believe and worship them.
Further, someone asks that the Vyantaras say so-"Offer Pindadaan (oblation of cooked rice to the manes in Gaya, etc. then we shall get released and will never come again." What is all this?
Answer: The Jivas normally carry the impressions and experiences of their previous birth to the next birth. The Vyantaras also by
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