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[ FIRST CHAPTER: THE TREE-FLOWERS]
INTRODUCTION
He who believes in the existence of atma (soul) as an entity is known as astik (a believer, here referring specifically to belief in Jain tenets). The foundation of the astik way of thinking is laid on the soul itself. The soul in its supreme or purest state of development is known as param-atma, or the super-soul (for the theist the word param-atma means God). That which acts as the means or the instrument in a soul's attaining the state of paramatına is called dharma.
Dharma is not only the path, it is the goal as well. This is because dharma also refers to fundamental attributes, inherent or absorbed virtues, or basic nature. When a soul proceeds on the path of spiritual practices directed at that lofty state, then ahimsa, discipline, and austerities become the instruments. When by means of these three the true form of the soul is revealed, then they become the basic nature or the virtue of that soul. At this level the practicer becomes enlightened, or liberated, or the Siddha. A Siddha is formless or without a body. The practicer has a form or a body. Thus, the body is the arena of spiritual practice!
It is said that as the body is the means of attaining moksh or liberation, it is necessary for an ascetic to have and maintain the body.
The body is the abode of the ever evolving soul. Food is the prime requirement for the sustenance of this abode, necessary to keep it fit for spiritual practices. Without food the body cannot subsist, and without harming something or somebody food cannot be obtained. In such a situation, what should a practicer of ahimsa do for sustenance? If he avoids harming, he does not get food;
99773TÉRS : Gh047 First Chapter : Dum Pupfiya
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