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Räjgeetä
There is no discrimination of caste or attire in the said path; whoever pursues it, attains liberation; there is no difference of opinion therein. (107)
Explanation & Discussion: The pupil had raised the issue of caste, creed, and attire in which one can attain liberation. The Guru tells him that all those aspects are immaterial. Even a person belonging to a so-called lower caste can attain liberation. For instance, Metäraj Muni, who was a Ganadhar of Lord Mahavir, was raised in a very low family. Harikeshi Muni mentioned in Uttarädhyayan Sutra also came from a low caste.
In this connection it would be interesting to point out that Jainism admits the possibility of attaining liberation in different traditions. Sthänäng Sutra mentions 15 types of liberated souls depending upon their last lives. One of them relates to those coming from the female sex, another from a lay life and another from non-Jain tradition. Shrimad has therefore stated on several occasions that one need not insist on being called a Jain. The first part (Stanzas 97107) of this chapter dealing with the path of liberation ends here.
ફરિણી| સ્થાન પિતા ની ] [ ની ની પીન રાખી ! Hd, DE ACZ 2ll sdan l a .
1906
* soven
Kashayani Upashantata, Matra Moksha Abhilash;
Bhave Khed Antar Daya, Te Kahie ujinas.
1103
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One, whose defilements are calmed down, who aspires only for liberation, who has disaffection for embodiment and holds compassion within, is called a truth seeker. (108)
196
