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CHAPTER 8
NATURE OF SERMONS
Showing the right path of liberation to the misbelievers, mundane beings, is the greatest benefaction of them. Even the Tirthankaras (omniscients), Ganadharas (chief monks) etc. render such type of benefaction only; Therefore, in this Shastra (Moksha Marga Prakashaka) also the discourses are given according to their sermons.
For clarifying the nature of sermon, some explanation is given here; because if one does not identify or know the sermon properly in its true sense then he may follow the wrong path by believing otherwise. Therefore, the nature of sermon is being described.
InJina's faith the sermon is given through four kinds of Anuyogas (branches of scriptures). Prathamaanuyoga (mythonomy), Karanaanuyoga (Aetiology & cosmology), Charanaanuyoga (Ethics or religious rituals) and Dravyaanuyoga (Metaphysics) - these are the four Anuyogas.
That branch of scriptures in which the life sketches (biographies) of great personages like Tirthankaras, Chakravarties, etc. are described, is called Prathamaanuyoga. And that branch of scriptures in which the Gunasthanas (spiritual stages), Mārganās (questplaces), etc. forms of the Jivas and karmas and cosmology, etc. are described, is called Karanaanuyoga. And that branch of scriptures in which the religious conduct, vows & rituals to be followed by householders and monks are described is called Charanaanuyoga, whereas that branch of scriptures in which six kinds of substances, seven Tattvas etc. and the science of self-nonself discrimination, etc. are discussed is called Dravyaanuyoga.
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