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think that it is not necessary to perform any rituals,
penance etc. or be a devotee of any pious teacher or study scriptures or be even ethical. Śrīmad has advised aspirants to avoid both the extremes. He preaches aspirants to perform rituals, be ethical and observe all such things, remembering the purpose and aim of such activities, namely realization of the self. It is the rituals, satsanga, svadhyaya, ethical practices etc., if done with constant awareness of their object, which do help an aspirant to keep the soul in check from going in perversity (vibhāva) and remain in svabhava (its own nature). This preaching is very important for sadhanā, as it helps in achieving the goal. We may profitably refer to the verses 29 and 131 of the poem "Atma-siddhi” for appreciating his views in this respect.
6) Duṣamā Kāla (Kaliyuga): Jains call this era as duṣamā kāla (hard and obstructive era) and the Brahmanical tradition calls it Kaliyuga. This era is supposed to be most unsuitable and obstructive for spiritual achievements. According to Srimad, this era is supposed to be so, because there are very very few persons, who have realized the soul. However, spiritual acomplishments are possible in this era too, according to ancient enlightened persons. There is no doubt about the scarcity of sadgurus. Even if there are some
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