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CHAPTER-VIII
417
the Jivas are encouraged to follow the path of libration but contrarily if somebody indulges in sinful acts, then giving prominence to it, one should not contradict the study of spiritual Shastras.
Further, one may become unrestrained by listening to spiritual Shastras, but earlier also he was a false believer and now too he remains a false believer only. The only harm would be that he may not get birth in good state of existence and may get birth in a miserable state of existence. But if spiritual discourses are not given then many Jivas are restrained from attaining the true path of liberation and this results in great harm to most of the Jivas; therefore, one should not contradict the spiritual discourses.
Further, many Jivas say that the spiritual discourses found in Dravyaanuyoga are of very high order and so it is useful for persons of higher spiritual stages, but the persons found in the lower state should be discoursed to adopt practices of vows, continence, etc. only?
Answer: In Jina's faith the tradition is that first of all right belief is attained and afterwards vows, etc. are accepted. The right belief is attained on acquiring the faith of self-nonself and that faith is acquired by the study of Dravyaanuyoga. Hence, first one should become a true believer by generating faith in accordance with Dravyaanuyoga and afterwards he should become a votary by accepting the vows, etc. according to Charanaanuyoga. Thus, primarily in the lower stages only Dravyaanuyoga is useful; only secondarily if it seems that someone is not capable of attaining right path of liberation, then he is discoursed to follow vows, etc. Therefore, believing that the study of spiritual Shastras is desirable for persons of higher spiritual stages, persons of lower stages should not avoid the study of Dravyaanuyoga.
Question:The nature of sermons of higher order is not grasped by persons of lower stages?
Answer: It is not desirable by such persons to plead ignorance here who exhibit great capacities in other activities. The true nature of Dravyaanuyoga can be properly perceived by constant study; it may be that one is able to grasp in smaller or greater measure according to his level of intelligence, but if someone supports avoidance of such study then it amounts to being envious of Jaina faith.
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