ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

SR No.: 007712
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 404
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 13 MB

Page 90

19
From above discussion it is very clear that the attainment of perfection is the culmination of a gradual course of self-absorption, which needs to be followed step by step. The preceptors have therefore, divided the pathway into fourteen stages each of which represents a particular state of development, partial elimination of natural traits and qualities. These fourteen stages of spiritual purification are called "Gunasthānas" and are as under:
1. Mithyātva
Perverse belief, wrong faith, gross ignorance
2. Sāsādana
A momentary psychic state of soul in the process of falling from the right faith prior to touching false faith.
3. Miśra
Mixed feeling, hovering between certainty and doubt.
4.
Aviratasamyagdrsti
Vow less true believer. This stage arises when faith deluding and the interest type of conduct deluding karmas are wholly or partially subdued or destroyed.
5. Desa-virata
A true believer observing Anuvratas, small vows. This arises when the intense passion (conduct deluding) is also subdued or destroyed. This is a votary householder's stage.
Pramatta
A stage of possession less, occupation less and homeless naked monk observing complete conduct with slightly imperfect vows. This arises when the Pratyākhyānāvarana Prakrti is also subdued partially. The mild passion 'Sarjvalana'is in operation.
virata
Apramattavirata
A stage of perfect observance of vows of a true monk with real right conducts of self absorption but with slow rate.
Apūrvakarana
A true monk with excessively increasing purity of thoughts with ascending ladder of perfect conduct and pure meditation. The 'Sarjvalana'mild passion being in subduing or vanishing state.
Anivrttikarana
A true monk in highly advanced state of pure thought activity than the preceding one.
Sūkśmasamparāya
A true monk in a very high spirituality advanced state than the preceding one with the slightest 'Samjvalana' greed passion which is also fully under control and remains to be eradicated in this stage.
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