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THE PATH OF SELF-CONQUEST
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Table 7.1. List of the first four purifications yes and the corresponding status
Stage
Name
Status
Perverted state
Incorrect View of Reality Vanishing Faith Mixed Faith and Doubt True Insight
First step to purification
Insight to take place. The removal of the 4th degree of the Four Passions leads to increased energy and knowledge elements of the soul, which makes the soul search for true knowledge more vigorously than before. Also it places significantly less emphasis on the manifestation of karmic matter including on one's own body, psychological states seen through the Four Passions and one's personal possession to which it had formerly identified itself. Thus. a pure and serene state is attained.
Attitude & Inner-self.
By now, one's serene state encourages an attitude which wishes to address the question “Who am I?” This attitude exerts the perception element of the soul even further and, through a surge of the energy element not before experienced, further removal of karmic matter takes place. Permanent attainment of True Insight is now possible. One becomes aware of the truth of the first three axioms. An aim to remove the effect of karmic forces is thus created and this desire leads to a further release of the energy element. All obstructions to insight are thereby prevented from exerting any influence and at that moment the soul experiences a permanent view of reality.
The internal sign of “True Insight” due to the Four Passions being limited to the third degree is self-transformation. The attention of the soul is deliberately reorientated, coming to focus upon nothing but its own true nature. Thus identification with the true inner-self, as opposed to T', is achieved, and the bliss element is now deeply experienced.
Behaviour and Positive Non-Violence3
Being at peace with oneself leads to sublime and relaxed behaviour. One is aware of the fundamental similarities of all living beings and this feeling of togetherness generates amity towards all and great compassion for the less fortunate. This compassion is free from pity and free from any personal ties with a particular being. Due to this realisation the soul recognises that all creatures are potential
