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(XIII)
But this final and ultimate state of being in bliss and beatitude cannot be attained all of a sudden. Great indeed is the vision but only the few behold. Great is the goal, but only the few attain. Great really is the struggle but only the few can withstånd. For the goal in fact is gradually reached by steady
and
strenuous striving subjecting the self to gladly undergo a series practical disciplines in a manner and along the lines as enjoined in the Jural (Charan) and Teleological (Karan) Ethics of th Jains. And the stages which the mumukshin has to pass through, are fourteen in number and are called Gunasthanas which can be squeezed up into four stages to suit modern intellect.
We have seen that according to Jainsm, Freedom is our birth-right and that its philosophy declares this freedom to be already in us. Freedom is constitutiona! with man. Feel that you are great and you will be great. Feel that you are free and all quarrels will cease. With the Jains it is but a question of realization in the very heart of hearts where life throbs and the soul of religion
B
