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PATH TO LIBERATION
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The soul is still unable to take those vows which help in the fight against karma (which we shall discuss in the next chapter) and so the step is called Avirati. He can now, if he likes, control anger, pride and greed and three branches of Mohaniya karma (Mithyātya, Miśra, and Sam. yaktva), and it is a very dangerous thing not to destroy all of them, for they may lead to a man's falling back to the second step. Whilst on this fourth step, the jiva gains five good things : the power of curbing anger (Sama); the realization that the world is evil, and that since it is a place in which one has to reap the fruits of one's own karma, one need have little affection for it (Samavega 1); he also realizes that his wifc and children do not belong to him (Nirveda); and that he must try and relieve any one who is in trouble (Anukampā); and lastly he gains complete faith in all the victorious Jina (Ästhā). We have seen that the distinguishing mark of this stage is that a man docs not yet take the vows; he may wish to do so, but though he has destroyed excessive anger, pride and greed, he has not yet entirely escaped from their influence.
The fifth step, Deśavirati 2 gunasthanaka, or the step of v. Deśa merit, as it is often called, is specially interesting, for up
virati, or
Samyatā. till now faith has been the chief point that has exercised samyata the thoughts of the climber, but now he realizes the great pumasi.
thānaka. importance of conduct, and so can take the twelve vows which, as we shall see, dcal largely with questions of behaviour. The step has three parts. First (Faghanya deśavirati), a man promises not to drink intoxicants or to eat flesh, and he constantly repeats the Māgadhi salutation to the Five Great Ones (Pañča Parameśvara): 'A bow to Arihanta, a bow to Siddha, a bow to Ācārya, a bow to Upādhyāya, a bow to all the Sadhus of this world.' Then, though still on the fifth step, he may advance a little higher on it (Madhyama deśavirati) and, keeping all the twelve vows, take special care only to make money in righteous ways.
1 Or Sanvega. • Otherwise Saiyatásamyata.
