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Tattvārthasūtra
knowledge-cognition (jñānopayoga) and perception-cognition (darśanopayoga) of the soul, which is permanent. This is contemplation on the transitory nature of things – anityānuprekşā. The worthy soul who contemplates thus is free from intense attachment to persons and things, and hence does not get distressed on their separation, as there is no sense of distress when the scent or the garland used is cast off. As there is no escape for the young one of a deer pounced upon by a strong, hungry tiger fond of the flesh, similarly, there is no escape for the self caught in the meshes of birth, old age, death, disease and sorrow. Even the stout body is helpful in the presence of food, not in the presence of distress. Wealth acquired by great effort does not accompany the self to the next birth. The friends who have shared the joys and sorrows of an individual cannot save him when death is imminent. His relations, all united together, cannot give him relief when he is afflicted by serious ailment. Only the merit or virtue accumulated over time will help him to cross the ocean of misery. Even the lord of the deva cannot help him at the point of death. Therefore, virtue (dharma) is the only means of succour to the one in midst of misery. Friends, wealth, etc., are also transient. And so there is nothing else, except virtue, which offers succour to the self. To contemplate thus is the reflection on helplessness - aśaraṇānuprekşā. He, who is distressed at the thought of utter helplessness, does not get attached to worldly things and worldly existence. He endeavours to march on the path indicated by the Omniscient Lord. Transmigration is the attainment of another birth by the self owing to the ripening of karmas. The five kinds of whirling-round have been described already. (sūtra 2-10). The self wanders in the endless cycle of births and deaths, undergoing millions of afflictions in innumerable wombs and families. Being propelled by the mechanism of karmas, the soul takes different relationships; from a father it becomes a brother, a son, a grandson, etc., and from a mother it becomes a sister, a wife, a daughter, and so on. The master becomes the servant and the servant becomes the master. It takes different forms just as an actor takes
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