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CHAPTER IV
MERIT AND DEMERIT (PUNYA—PAPA)
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152. Know bad Karmas (to be) demerit and good Karmas (to be) merit. How can that be meritorious which causes (the Soul) to wander in the cycle of existences.
153. A gold fetter binds a person as much as an iron one. Similarly good or bad deeds performed, whether good. or bad (both) bind the soul (with Karmas).
154. And therefore do not have either attachment or association with (both of these) evil disposed (karmas), (because) certainly by association and attachment with these: evil disposed (karmas) independence shall be destroyed.
155-155 As any one who-so-ever knowing a man (to be). of bad character gives up association and attachment with him, similarly, from the real standpoint knowing the nature of Karmas (good or bad), to be harmful, those absorbed in their own Gatore refrain and prohibit (others), from association, (with such karmas).
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157. The attached (soul) binds karmas; The' detached soul liberates itself (from them), such (is) the preaching of the conqueror. Therefore do not indulge in Karmas,
158. The highest substance, the pare soul, is certainly the all-knowing wise saiat. Absorbed in such self-contem plation saints attain liberation.
159. He, who performs austerities and observes vows, without being absorbed (in his) highest soul (is) altogether (engaged ip) childish austerities and childish vows (taken. without right belief. So say the all-knowing.
16). Observing the vows and resolations, and performing the subsidiary vows and austerities, they are unknowing
