Ethical Doctrines in Jainism

SR No.: 006955
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Sanskruti Samrakshak Sangh Solapur
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 322
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 8 MB

Page 301

X. A RESUMB
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presupposed before spiritual conversion may be deemed to occur. The self is now in the fourth Gunasthāna. The second and third stages are the stages of fall from spiritual conversion.
3) The self has now been metamorphosed into an awakened self. Mystical adventure will now consist in eliminating the horrible contrast between the first enlightenment and the final one. The aspirant will now dedicate himself to the study of spiritual literature and to the observance of self-denial. In short, he adheres to the purgative way which is not merely a negative process but comprises positive attainments also. Scriptural study and devotion constitute the integral parts of the mystic's moral and spiritual discipline. The self, according to its moral level, occupies the fifth, or the sixth or the 1st part of the seventh Guņasthāna.
4) By this time, the self has developed a deep habit of introversion, a power of spiritual attention, of self-merging, and of gazing into the ground of the soul. Through deep meditation, the mystic advances upon the second part of seventh Guņasthāna, and the rest higher Guñasthānas upto the twelfth are purely meditational stages or the stages of illumination and ecstacy.
5) The self which arrives at the eleventh Guñasthāna falls down either in the first stage or in the fourth one on account of the rise of suppressed passions, and thus experiences the Dark-night of the soul. All the mystics do not experience this dark-night. Those mystics who ascend the ladder of annihilation escapes this tragic period and forthwith succeed in materialising final accomplishments in comparison to those who ascend the ladder of subsidence. The latter type of mystics no doubt will also reach the same heights but only when they climb up the ladder of annihilation. Souls, though not every one, are confronted with the darkness of three types in their life career, firstly, before conversion, secondly, after conversion, and thirdly, after the ascension of the ladder of subsidence.
6) Slumbering and unawakened soul after passing through the stages of spiritual conversion, moral and intellectual preparation now arrives at the sublime destination by means of ascending the rungs of meditational ladder. This is transcendental life, a supramental state of existence. It is the final triumph of the spirit, the flower of mysticism. The soul is now 'Arahanta' and is staying in the thirteenth and fourteenth Gunasthānas.