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INTRODUCTION
Shrimad Rajachandra, one of the most recognized Jain sages of modern times, was distinguished for his spiritual insight. A born genius and poet, he had a dream. A dream to reach the highest state of self-realization (Moksha). From that dream emerged a song, a song of the soul the great poem "Apoorva Avsar Evo Kyare Avashe" written in Gujarati. The exact time frame of this poem is unknown but is presumed to be written around 1897 A.D. This poem, a roadmap for spiritual aspirants, depicts the characteristics of fourteen major milestones in the path of spiritual progress. In Jain scriptures these milestones are described as GUNASTHANAKAS (see Appendix 1).
Impressed by the depth and richness of Shrimad's description of these spiritual stages, many famous Jain scholars have written books explaining the meaning of this beautiful poem. Some of them are: Muni Jayavijayji, Muni Santabalji, Shri Kanjiswami, Shri Naginlal Sheth and Dr.Saryuben Mehta. This poem has also been admired by followers of many other religions. Gandhiji liked it so much that he included it in his book "Ashram Bhajanavali". He wrote: "I came in close contact with Shrimad for two years. He displayed the same sense of detachment that is glowing in every stanza of the poem. He has written only what he has experienced."
This poem of twenty-one stanzas can be divided into two parts. In the first part (first twelve stanzas) Shrimad has expressed his intense craving to become a person devoid of all attachments (NIRGRANTH) and describes the characteristics of such a person as he progresses from the 4th to the seventh GUNASTHANAKA. The second part (the 13th through 21st stanzas) of the poem describes his progress from the eighth to the last GUNASTHANAKA, the last one being AYOGIKEVALI.
The third and thirteenth stanzas are very important because they describe the two major milestones of spiritual progress: Self-realization (SAMYAK DARSHAN -fourth GUNASTHANAKA) and a new and unique experience of the true self (APOORVAKARAN eighth GUNASTHANAKA). SAMYAK DARSHAN is achieved when deluding perception (DARSHAN MOHANIYA KARMA) is eliminated and APOORVAKARAN is achieved when most of the obstacles to right conduct (CHARITRA MOHANIYA KARMA) are destroyed.
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