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Samyaktva is at the root of spiritual accomplishment
For the layman, saamaayika {period of quiet contemplation), paushadha (36 hour fast carried out in a religious environment, away from the home), japa {saying the rosary), tapa (penance), dhyaana {meditation}, kaayotsarga {remaining still in one position for a fixed period of time), praayaschitta {atonement), bheda gynaana {discriminatory knowledge), svaadhyaaya study of the self/study of scriptures are all means of saadhanaa {diligent practise for the purpose of attaining liberation. Samyaktva is the basis for all of them. All these practices flourish in the presence of samyaktva. These practices may vary from location to location, from time to time, and are shaped by individual circumstance and ability. But the basis for them, the faith in them, or the motivating factor behind them does not vary. The sequence of these practices may vary, for instance, one person may follow saying the rosary with penance. And then carry out self-study. Also, the rituals associated with these
practices may vary. But if samyaktva is strong, the seeker shall never forget samvara {blockage of karmic inflow into the soul and nirjaraa (shedding of karmas from the soul). If the roots of samyaktva disappear, everything shall fall apart. But if the roots of samyaktva are pure, safe, strong and undiluted, then the external conduct remains safe on it. But if the roots are shaky, the conduct and the thinking go haywire. The conduct and thought processes becomes impure and diluted by false belief.
Samyaktva is the primary centre of saadhanaa {diligent efforts
Samyaktva lies at the centre of all diligent efforts made in the field of spirituality. Irrespective of how all compassing and vast the field of diligent efforts is, it has to remain constantly in touch with its primary centre. In warfare, the army that stays in constant touch with its command centre wins the war. For instance, if an army keeps advancing and unfortunately loses contact with its command centre, it jeopardises its own chances of victory. This is why a good general remains alert and maintains constant contact with the command centre.
It is the same in the field of spirituality. The seeker who remains immersed in samyaktva through every pore of his being, through his perception, through his intellect and through his inner self shall be able to win over the blemishes of anger, etc. and shall find success in his spiritual endeavours. This is why it is crucial that no matter which kind of diligent effort we do, our link with samyaktva should remain unbroken.
Samyaktva is the first instrument on the path of liberation
The doors of liberation are open for anyone who has attained samyaktva while living as a layman. Liberation is very far away for an ascetic who remains immersed in delusion, artifice, attachment, lust and sensual desire and is bereft of samyaktva.
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