________________
V.
The Jaina approach to Self-Realization
vi.
The eleven stages of increasing renunciation by the enlightened aspirants.
Twenty-seven or twenty-eight fundamental virtues of ascetics19
With the implementation of the above methods, the virtuosity and the resultant worthiness of the aspirant is considerably enhanced leading to the following beneficial sequence of maturity of learning in the process of Selfrealization.
13
Information → Knowledge → Wisdom → Self-realization
What we learn by initial reading of religious books is information. Understanding the meaning of the same, makes it knowledge. When we practice the acquired knowledge through proper discrimination, by accepting the truthful and rejecting the falsehood, it becomes wisdom. When the wisdom becomes profound and condensed, a state of magnanimous equanimity develops, gradually leading to Self-realization.
IV. Meditation
In the Jainological method of spiritual betterment, meditation has been accepted universally as a supreme instrument to attain salvation. Consequently, among the twelve types of austerity20, it has been considered of the highest value for the aspirant's progress. The last Tirthankara of the Jaina tradition, Lord Mahavira, practiced the states of advanced meditation for a period of twelve and a half years with unique self-control and attained omniscience and consequently, has been accepted by all the world historians, as one of the greatest champions of meditation.
When properly practiced, this is the most important step leading to rapid attainment of self-control and quietude of mind. If one is able to purify his mind and concentrate it intensely on the true and absolute nature of one's own Self, real equanimity dawns resulting in Self-realization.
With increasing worthiness acquired by the above practices, the aspirant should also bear the following important points in his mind during the practice of meditation.
i.
Place and Posture: These should preferably be such that they are conducive to quietude and steadiness of the mind. Such places may
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