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Concept of Liberation and its Pre-requisites
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(i) causaranagamaṇam, i.e., to take refuge in the four-fold. The four are the arhats, the siddhas, the sādhus and the kevaliprajnaptadharma. The soul has an inherent capability of acquiring liberation. To stimulate that capability one requires proper guidance and environment. Therefore, one should take shelter of the most authenticated persons competent to guide them properly. Realising that the arhats are the lords of the universe; possessed of unparalleled virtues; rid of attachment, hatred and delusion; inconceivable precious jewels; ship for the ocean of the world and the refuge of one and all, one should take their shelter for the whole life.23 Haribhadra sūri defines arhats as worthy of worship.
Thereafter one should take refuge in the siddhas who have acquired liberation. He should realise that the siddhas are beyond the state of bodily changes as old age or death. They have washed off all the stains of deeds. They have destroyed all the obstacles. They are perceivers of the absolute knowledge. Their abode is siddhipur ( above the universe). They enjoy an unparalleled pleasure (not born out of sensual contacts). They have achieved the highest goal.
Then he should go to saints (sādhus ). By sādhus, those holy persons are meant who are far advanced on the path of liberation. They have a tranquil and deep understanding. They have separated themselves from sinful deeds. They know five kinds of conduct. They remain busy with benevolent deeds. They remain unattached with the fruits of the actions as the lotus flower shines over and above the mud and water. They remain constantly engrossed in meditation and study of scriptures: All their actions are pure.
Then he should take refuge in the religious faith which enunciates absolute truth ( kevaliprajñaptadharma ). Such a faith is revered by gods, demons and human beings. It is sun to dispel the darkness of delusion. It is the most efficient mantra to remove the effect of the poison of attachment and hatred. It is the promoter of the welfare of all. It is fire to burn the forest of deeds. It is the means to give liberation.
(ii) dukkadagarinā (duskrtagarhā ), i.e., censure of evil deeds. After having refuge in above he should develop distaste for evil deeds. He should censure all such evil deeds which he might have done knowingly or unknowingly, physically, mentally or by speech towards arhats, siddhas, teachers, saints or any other person in this birth or in other births under the influence of attachment, hatred or delusion. Such a censure indeed is a mental preparation to cleanse himself of sinful thoughts. Purity of thought is the basis of acquiring the highest goal of liberation.
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