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The concept of *Gadashti* (wrong view) and its various stages, including *Shankasamādhana* (doubt resolution), *Sad-dashtipana* (right view), and *Samyag-dashtipana* (perfect view), is a complex one that unfolds over time. It is only after the *Granthibhed* (breaking of the knot) that these stages become relevant, and even then, the *Granthibhed* itself is a process that takes place much later, as it occurs within the fifth *dashti*.
Therefore, the first four *dashtis* – *Mitra*, etc. – are considered *Mithyadashti* (wrong views). The question arises: why are there eight *dashtis* – four *Sad-dashti* (right view) and four *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view)? The answer lies in the fact that the four *dashtis* – *Mitra*, etc. – act as the *amegh-achuk* (unwavering and infallible) cause for *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view). Consequently, due to the influence of the effect on the cause, even the *Mitra*, etc. *dashtis* are considered to be part of *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view).
To understand this, consider the following analogy:
In the process of making refined crystallised sugar from raw sugarcane, even the initial stages are crucial. The final product doesn't just appear out of thin air. It requires a series of steps, starting from the sugarcane itself.
The entire process from sugarcane to refined sugar can be divided into eight stages:
1. **Sugarcane:** This represents the initial stage, analogous to the *Mitra* *dashti*.
2. **Juice extraction:** This stage corresponds to the second *dashti*.
3. **Boiling and making *kave* (molasses):** This stage represents the third *dashti*.
4. **Making *gel* (syrup):** This stage corresponds to the fourth *dashti*.
5. **Refining and making fine sugar:** This stage represents the fifth *dashti*, where the *Granthibhed* occurs.
6. **Making *sharkara* (granulated sugar):** This stage corresponds to the sixth *dashti*.
7. **Making *ashuddha* (impure) sugar lumps:** This stage represents the seventh *dashti*.
8. **Making refined crystallised sugar:** This stage corresponds to the eighth *dashti*, representing the final stage of *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view).
Thus, before reaching the final stage of refined crystallised sugar, the process goes through various stages.
The first four stages, from sugarcane to *gel*, are analogous to the first four *dashtis* – *Mitra*, etc. – which are considered *Mithyadashti* (wrong views). The remaining four stages, from fine sugar to refined crystallised sugar, are analogous to the last four *dashtis*, which are considered *Sad-dashti* (right view) and *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view).
Just as all the stages in the sugar-making process are essential for achieving the final product, the *Mitra* *dashti*, etc., are also crucial for attaining *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view). They act as the cause for *Samyag-dashti* (perfect view). Therefore, the *Mitra* *dashti*, etc., have their rightful place within the *Gadashti* (wrong view) framework.
These *Mitra* *dashtis*, etc., are like the sugarcane, juice, etc., because they lead to the attainment of *sanvegarup* (emotional) *madhuni* (sweetness). Without the initial sugarcane, how can the juice be extracted? Without the juice, how can *gol* (molasses) or sugar be made?
Similarly, these *Mitra* *dashtis*, etc., are like the sugarcane, etc., because they inevitably lead to the manifestation of *paramarth* (ultimate) *premarup* (love-filled) *rasadi* (essence), and the experience of the sweet *sanveg* (emotion) – like the nectar of *param* (ultimate) *amrut* (nectar).