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MOKSHA MARG PRAKASHAK
And if there be no achievement by observance of external continence, then what is the reason that the gods of Sarvarthasiddhi heaven, who are true believers, are stated to have fourth Gunasthana only, whereas the householders Shravakas possess the fifth Gunasthana. Moreover, why should the Tirthankaras, etc. accept continence (great vows) by renouncing the householder's life? Therefore, this is the rule that without the means of external continence and vows, etc. one's thoughts & dispositions cannot become pure, hence for the knowledge of code of external conduct, one must study Charanaanuyoga.
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(4) Removal of Misconjectures About Dravyaanuyoga
Many Jivas say that in Dravyaanuyoga the inferiority of vows, continence, etc. conventional religion (Vyavahara Dharma) is shown. A true believer's indulgence in carnal pleasures, etc. is stated to be the cause of Nirjara (shedding of karmas). By listening to such statements, the Jiva will become unrestrained by giving up virtuous activities and adopting sinful acts. Therefore, reading and listening to these Shastras is not desirable.
Answer: "Though a donkey may die by eating sugarcandy, yet the human beings will not give up eating sugarcandy". Similarly, if a person with perverse understanding becomes unrestrained by listening to spiritual Shastras then the judicious persons will not give up study of spiritual Shastras. What is necessary is that if someone seems to be becoming unrestrained he should be discoursed in such a manner by which he would not become unrestrained. Moreover, in spiritual Shastras also at several places unrestrained behaviour has been contradicted, therefore, the one who listens to them attentively, does not become unrestrained; but by listening to one aspect, if one becomes unrestrained due to his misunderstanding, there is no fault of Shastras; his own fault is there.
And if by imagining false faults, the reading and listening of spiritual Shastras is contradicted, then by such contradiction the liberation path is contradicted, because therein lie the basic preachings about the path of liberation. For example, most of the Jivas are benefitted by rains and if someone is harmed then by giving importance to it, one should not contradict rains. Similarly, most of
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