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The Doctrines of the Jainas
Gunasthana. It is attained after subduing Apratyakhyanavarana, i.e., the second degree of passions. Here, the aspirant is expected to purify his heart every four months. He takes the vows of a householder and leaves off acts of gross violence, falsehood, theft, etc. In short, he is expected to refrain from all criminal acts and to obey the laws of the State.
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In addition, he should fix limits for his possessions. He should prepare a list of everything he wants to own for his personal use and should not go beyond that limit. It is also expected that he should daily scrutinize that list and go on curtailing it. He should also fix limits in all directions for his economic or political expectations. Further a Shravaka, as the householder is called in this stage, observes some vows or penances for self-purification as daily or periodical duties. He is generous to a guest of good conduct and serves him with food and other necessities with a heart full of devotion.
The early Jain Shravakas held an honourable position in society as well as in the State. They were trusted by the State in confidential matters and approached by individuals for proper advice and other help. The Uvasagadasa describes the conduct of 10 householder devotees of Mahavira. They were City Fathers in a real
sense.
The sixth Gunasthana is Pranattasanyata. The aspirant, through the fifth stage, is a member of society and carries out his duties and obligations to himself as well as to society. He enjoys family life and worldly pleasures in a moderately controlled form, not forgetting his duties and the supreme object. His character is well
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