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III. 68 )
. CHAPTER III
[ 183
Stamp of erudition and a large crowd of pupils do not prove Śāstric knowledge. On the contrary, pomp and hypocrisy come in the way of acquisition of right knowledge. Those who leave aside meditating and thinking and indulge in simply observing rules and regulations are not entitled to reap their fruits. The fruit of philosophical thinking is to acquire right knowledge of realities and to purify the soul through cultivating a right taste for it. If thinking on Sastric things is left off, ordinary knowledge of roalities will not arise. And when there is no possibility of even ordinary knowledge, what to talk of puro, unsullied knowledge ? Without such knowledge right perception will be impossible and without right perception purity of soul can never be attained. So for one whose aim and end is purity of soul, observance of religious practices is not the only necessary thing but philosophical thinking also.
For one who is not able to start independent thinking on Śāstric things, the royal road to be entitled to the fruit of religious practices is to resort to a true preceptor and to pass his life there and breathe healthy atmosphere of philosophical thinking which surrounds his teacher. 66. 67.
Knowledge alone or practice alone is not wanted-says the following verse :- )
णाण किरियारहिय किरियामेत्त च दो वि एगता। असमत्था दाएउ जम्ममरणदुक्ख मा भाई ।। ६८ ॥
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