Apporva Avasar

Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra,
Publisher: USA Jain Study Group NY

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4. Avirati Samvak Drashti (Self Realization): In this stage, all forms of Darshana Mohaniya karmas are destroyed and an aspirant gets glimpses of the real self and develops firm conviction that the body and the soul are two separate entities. This important phenomenon is known as "Samyak Darshan". The glimpses may be momentary or last for a long duration of time. However short the duration, the soul manifests this conviction in behavior, reactions and attitude in daily experiences of life. This is a critical step for further spiritual growth because any soul reaching this stage invariably acquires Moksha sooner or later. This stage marks the beginning of the end of the journey. Interestingly, the aspirant in this stage is not yet able to relinquish worldly attachments and desires. The soul now prepares itself for the rest of the journey by working on acquiring external and internal purity.
5. Desh Virati Samyak Drashti (Partial Renunciation): This stage is a logical evolution of the fourth stage. Due to continued faith, the aspirant acquires partial control over sensual pleasures and desires to progress toward the ultimate goal.
6. Pramatta Sanyata (Partially Controlled Behavior): In this stage the aspirant makes a major effort for complete renunciation and refrains from all kinds of sins. It is the stage of a Muni or a Saint with good control over desires. However, he is not yet totally free from internal desires and often displays undesirable behaviors (PRAMAD), hence the name Pramatta.
7. Apramatta Sanyata (Improved Controlled Behavior): This stage is a further evolution of the sixth stage. A Muni reaches this stage when he strives hard and is able to eliminate undesirable behaviors (Pramad). This stage represents further purification and a vigilant state of mind. However, any time he displays undesirable behaviors (Pramad), he descends to the sixth stage. Thus a Muni often oscillates back and forth between the sixth and seventh stage for a long time. This seventh stage lasts up to 48 minutes (one Antarmuhrat) after which time the aspirant progresses to the eighth stage or falls back to the sixth.
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