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He who does not comprehend the nature of transcendental and empirical standpoints, docs not comprehend the nature of three jewels (known as spiritual awakening, valueknowledge and ethico- spiritual conduct). Hence all the external perforinances which are pursued are associated with wrong orientation This has been proclaimed by the spiritual victor. Religious conduct is the means of (selfish) gain, not the means of destroying the Karmas (mental tensions)' Only the person (who is unaware of spiritual heights) believes in this statement, takes pleasure in it, relishes and actualises it. Auspicious psychical state is the good; inauspicious psychical state is the bad Thus this has been affirmed in other faiths (along with the doctrine of Jina). But in the doctrine of Jina (spiritually victorious), this has been additionally) propounded that since auspicious and inauspicious psychical states are dependent on the other, they can not be regarded as the cause of destroying suffering (mental tension) as such. By the person who very much desires virtuous action (good mental tension), the worldly life has been accepted Though the virtuous action is the cause of one's happy condition, yet it is by casting aside even the good mental tension (giving rise to virtuous action) that supreme peace (equanimity) occurs. Vicious action is wrong; virtuous action is right Know this. But (it is unintelligible) how the virtuous action which takes us to mundane existence (mental tension, although good) is considered right? Just as the fetters made of black iron and those of gold bind the person, so also performed vicious and virtuous actions (which cause mental tension) bind the Jiva (person) (to suffering). It is, therefore, said that never show any attachment to and never have any association with the impure (mental tensioncreating) actions. The reason is that the nature of soul which is free becomes insignificant because of attachment and association with the impure actions.
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Samaņasuttam-Vol. I
S3
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