ĀTMĀNUŚĀSANA – PRECEPT ON THE SOUL by Ācārya GUṆABHADRA (ca. 818–900 A.D.) [179]
Gātha 178
Like the churning equipment (to produce butter), the soul undergoes binding (bandha) and shedding (nirjarā) of karmas, similar to the rope getting wound and unwound, and its journey in the world-ocean continues (as the soul keeps on pulling either end of the rope, one end symbolizing attachment and the other aversion).
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Note 1:
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Shedding (nirjarā) of karmas is of two kinds: savipāka and avipāka. Savipāka nirjarā is without effort, as the fruits of karmas are naturally enjoyed. This kind of nirjarā is experienced by all, for karmas have their set period of bondage after which their shedding must take place. Avipāka nirjarā is attained through austerities (tapa); karmas are shed before they reach to fruition. The present verse refers to savipāka nirjarā.
Ācārya Pūjyapāda’s Iṣṭopadeśa:
Our soul, due to nescience (ajñāna), keeps on pulling either end of the long rope – one end symbolizing attachment (rāga) and the other aversion (dveṣa) – and, as a consequence, whirls around in the cycle of births and deaths (saṃsāra) for a very long time.
Cf. ‘Saṁvara [part 4017]’ gātha 11 of 51 https://www.facebook.com/groups/692614454130155/permalink/3358979174160323.