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The book has been composed or compiled with verses in Prakrit which can be sung and are fit for regular recitation. The Jaina Acaryas have called the Prakrit verses as sūtras. The Prakrit word 'sutta' means sūtra, sūkta or also śruta. The word 'sūtra' is popular in the Jaina tradition. Hence the book has been given the title of "Samaņasuttam" (śramanasūtraṁ). The collection of the verses has been made ordinarily from the ancient texts. Hence this Samanasuttam is itself as valid as the scriptures,
The first part is Jyotirmukha or source of illumination: therein an individual gets a glimpse of internal life by rising above the plane of mundane or external life of 'eat', drink and make 'merry'. He understands the futility of sensuous enjoyment, of the cause of misery, birth and death in mundane life, and develops detachment towards mundane life. He understands that attachment and hatred are his greatest enemies and begins trying to subdue them in every possible way and takes recourse to forgiveness, compassion, sincerity, contentment and other virtues by replacing anger, pride, delusion and greed. He restrains his passions and controls the senses, covetous of pleasures. He looks upon all living creatures as on himself, begins to experience the sensations of pleasure and pain of others and renounces possessiveness according to his capacity, taking into consideration the needs of others. He remains ever wakeful towards himself and others, as also begins to march fearlessly on the path of emancipation with perseverance.
The second part deals with the Path of Emancipation. On being initiated into it, all doubts, sensations born of fear, desires as also false beliefs are all washed off by the trio of right faith, knowledge and conduct or devotion, knowledge and action. The dualism of what is desirable and undesirable comes to an end and there will be a sudden outburst of equanimity and affection. One becomes detached towards worldly attachments and the mind becomes full with peace. Even if he remains in his house, he remains as detached as a lotus in water remains
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