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It has been clearly said in the AachaaraangaSuutra that,
"Na kinhe, na niile, na lohiye, na haalidadde, na sukkille... na itthii na purise" -AachaaraangaSuutra, Verse 5.6 (Page 112, Author: Lilambai Mahasatiji, Publisher: Gurupraana Foundation, Rajkot (Gujarat), year 1999)
From the point of view of the soul, all living beings are the same. All have the same form. All have the same consciousness. Differences in colour, gender, class, etc. are all external. They are differences of outer form. They have nothing to do with the soul. Whether a person is dark or fair, female or male, layman or ascetic, basically he is a soul..
Liberation is attained when, thanks to samyatkva, the soul develops the pristine ability to perceive souls as they are. Till the time the soul keeps discriminating between people, it has vikalpa buddhi or bheda buddhi (proclivity to focus on the external) and shall not attain liberation.
Samyaktva causes the gynaana chakshu (eyes of inner knowledge/true wisfom) of the samyakdrishti to open. Birth in the four gatis (categories life forms) of hellish beings, sub humans, humans and celestial beings does not reflect the true nature of the soul. Birth in the four gatis is caused by karmas. And the gatis are not permanent. A soul may take birth in different gatis at different points of time in its existence. Samyaktva helps the soul realise that its own true nature is that of a knower and seer. It is indestructible. Thus, the samyakdrishti soul knows the qualities of the transcendental soul. And confidently progresses in that direction.
In the field of spirituality, self-confidence and firm conviction in the ability of one's own soul are essential. Only through them can the soul move forward on the path of knowledge, conduct and penance. Samyaktva gives rise to this self-confidence. Aided by self-confidence, the samyakrishti is not led astray. He does not crave material wealth and does not become a slave to sensual cravings and imagined worldly pleasures.
Lord Mahavira perceived even Goshalaka, who had tried very hard to kill him, with an unprejudiced eye and did not fail to appreciate the innate qualities of his soul. He told his disciple Gautama that, "You are seeing his external form. Instead, see his soul. His soul has the same capacity as mine. One day, he too shall become pristine, enlightened and attain liberation.
The flame of omniscience that you see in me also exists in Goshalaka. But it is dormant now."
Samyagdharshana; (Page 145, Author: Ashokmuni, Publisher: Diwaakarjyoti Karyaalaya, Byaawar (Rajasthan), year 1981)
Thus Lord Mahavira taught us that if we were to cut across the external appearance, name and form and directly perceive the inner flame, we would find good qualities in each person.
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