Book Title: Tattvartha Sutra
Author(s): Vijay K Jain
Publisher: Vikalp Printers

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Page 390
________________ Tattvārthasūtra through which exude impurities. Like the fire, the body consumes quickly what comes in contact with it. Bathing, application of perfumes, incense, powder, garlands, etc., cannot remove the impurities of the body. Only right faith, right knowledge and right conduct are able to bring about complete purification of the soul. He who contemplates thus on the impurities of tho body - aśuci anupreksā - is disgusted with the body and puts his heart into crossing the ocean of transmigration. Influx (āsrava), stoppage (samvara) and dissociation (nirjarā) have been described already. Still these are mentioned here for reflecting on their good and evil. Influx (āsrava) leads to calamity and distress in this life and in the life to come. It is sharp and strong like the current of a river, and appears in form of the senses (indriya), the passions (kaşāya) and non-abstinence (avrata). The senses (indriya), such as touch, sight, and the rest, plunge the wild elephant, the crow, the serpent, the bird, the deer, and the rest, into the ocean of misery. Similarly the passions (kaşāya) cause injury, bondage, disgrace, anguish, and so on, in this world and, in the next, lead to different kinds of suffering in the four states of existence. Reflecting thus on the calamity and distress caused by influx (āsrava) is contemplation on influx -asravānupreksā. This enables the self not to swerve from the wholesome attitudes of forbearance (ksamā), etc. And the soul protected by this contemplation is rid of evils originating from influx (āsrava), as the tortoise is protected by its shell. If the hole in the keel of a vessel sailing on the ocean is not closed, gradually the water enters the vessel and the passengers must perish. But if there is no hole, the passengers must reach their destination. Similarly, if influx (āsrava) is stopped there can be no obstacle to liberation. Reflection on the merit of stoppage (samvara) of karmas is contemplation on stoppage – samvarānuprekşā. He who reflects constantly in this manner attains stoppage (samvara) of karmas and liberation. Dissociation (nirjarā) takes place after the fruition of karmas. Dissociation (nirjarā) is of two kinds. One is involuntary – abuddhi ........................ 358

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