Subhashita 01

Page 2

16 Vol. II/No. 3. Eternal Wisdom आरूढाः प्रश्रमश्रेणी श्रुतकेवलीनोऽपि च। भ्राम्यन्तेऽनन्तसंसारं अहोदुष्टेन कर्मणा // Arudhaha Prashrama-shrenim Shrutakewalinopi Cha, Bhramyantenanta - samsaram Aho-dushtena Karmana. Those who have started to climb the (exalted ) ladder of spiritual progress called Upashama - Shreni (3931# sut); those who have the complete knowledge of the scriptures ( a ); such souls nonetheless, when their unholy Karmas ( 7 ) come to, fruition, become prey to temptations (argar), and therefore, (by loosing everything gained after the tremendous effort), they have to suffer while spending an infinite (3987a) time again in this world (ait), (beacuse of successive births and rebirths). [ Explanation : When the Atma by increasingly purifying itself rises to higher and higher stages (called Gunasthana-IJUTEYTA), it is said to be on the exalted ladder (Shreni - guit). When the process of purification is through the suppression of one's Karmas, the ladder is known as Upashama Shreni. However, such an Atma invariably falls down and looses all that is gained. In the other exalted ladder known as Kshapaka Shreni ( 8797 quit ), however, it rises by destroying the Karmas; and finally when it climbs high enough it destroys the four Ghati Karmas (see page 12 of Vol. II / No. 2 of this Journal), and reaches Omniscience (901 ). To understand the subjects of Karma / Gunasthana / Shreni etc. more thoroughly the reader should refer to the following Granthas: Gunasthana Kramaroha, Tattwartha Sutra etc. and also to some of the verses of Prashamarati, (which would be published in due course in this Journal). The important point to realise is that even when one is immersed in the most severe penances, or has vast knowledge of the scriptures, even then, One must not trust one's senses (to be under full control), and should remain ever vigilant. The scriptures are full of examples of sages (e.g. Vishwamitra) who, inspite of vast spiritual progress, have fallen prey to such temptations (e.g. of the nymph Menaku). ] (Source Gnanasara (TART ) by Upadhyaya Shri Yashovijayji)