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Samayasāra
Chapter - 9 In the preceding verses, the author had emphasized that the soul is able to become totally free from guilt and fear, if it only adores/idolizes its own purest state. Now in the concluding verse of this chapter, he deals with eight kinds of moral discipline, which are traditionally and conventionally recognized as formula for freeing the soul from the guilt complex. Traditionally, they are prescribed to be practised by all devout aspirants for controlling one's emotions and passions and their regular practice is generally recognized as essential for spiritual advancement/progress. The learned author, however, apparently rejects the traditional belief and calls eight acts of discipline-'eight pots of poison' and the opposites of these acts are called-pots of nectar'. Thus, on the face of it, the two verses are diametrically opposite to the teaching of scriptures as traditionally believed and practised and may be considered shockingly heretical by many.
It is, however, totally inconceivable that an erudite scholar of scriptures and a staunch devotee of omniscient (Jinendra Deva), like Ācārya Kundakunda, can ever negate a practice prescribed in the scriptures. We must, therefore, reject the apparent meaning of the verses and try to seek and find the proper meaning which is commensurate with the teaching of the scriptures. But, firstly let us briefly discuss these eight types of discipline which constitute, empirically, the formula for becoming free from guilt.
1. Pratikramaņa-literally means retracing one's steps, i.e. act of mental retraction and repentance for transgressions already committed, either deliberately or inadvertently. It is incumbent as a daily performance for all religious people, both ascetic and laity.
2. Pratisarana-is the act for further strengthening/reinforcing the purity of the soul by inculcation right faith and belief. It also includes relevant vows for the future.
3. Parihāra-is the act of rejecting the evil by frecing the soul from perverted belief, attachment and the like, which corrupt the soul and keeps it bound to the wheel of the cycles of rebirths.
4. Dhāraņā-act of deliberate mental exercise whereby the wandering mind is steadied by the help of external props such as recitation of spells, worshiping of idols, canalization of thought etc..
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