________________
The next seven GUNASTHANAS (6,7,8,9,10,11 and 12) apply to ascetics, and reflect escalated degree of Sadhana for soul purification and achieving true knowledge and right and rational perception. They are : (1) PRAMATTA SAMYAT or SARVA VIRATI – Stage
of taking Mahavrat (five major vows of an ascetic) with wholehearted mind-set, but may not yet be totally free
from tempting desires and impulses; (2) APRAMATTA VIRATI - Critical stage with intense
and dedicated practice of Mahavrat and strengthening vigilance; APURVA KARANA - At this stage the soul achieves SHUKLA DHYAN indicative of almost total selfcontrol. The soul acquires a unique psychic force for targeting total annihilation of karmas; ANIVRITTI KARANA - Intense spiritual activity, heightened self-control, and beginning of thought and
conduct eluding karmas; (5) SUKSHMA SAMPARAYA - The stage is now set for
total rooting out of karmic impulses and not merely suppressing them. There may still remain subtle degree
of attachment to life; (6) UPASANTA MOHA - Stage for intense effort to
eliminate lingering passions that could still tilt the scale of spiritual equanimity achieved so far; KSHINA MOHA - This is the point of no return having attained total equanimity after destroying both gross as well as subtle psychic impulses. This is just one step
before achieving enlightenment. The last two GUNASTHANAS (13 and 14) take the soul to its supreme realization. They are :
(1) SAYOGA KEVALI - This is the stage of spiritual
79
A Portrait of Jain Religion
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
