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While describing the nature of self realization (SAMYAK DARSHAN), Shrimad also indicates how he attained it. An aspirant who has attained self realization is in the fourth GUNASTHANAKA. According to the Jain scriptures another milestone in spiritual progress is attained at the eighth GUNASTHANAKA as described in stanza thirteen. In this stage, the soul experiences a higher state of self realization through Meditation (DHYANA) that it had never before experienced and hence it is called APOORVAKARAN
A soul reaching the eighth stage can progress further in two different paths (both requiring meditation on itself): KSHAPAK SHRENEE and UPASHAM SHRENEE. In the first path, all Karmas are destroyed while ascending to the last stage (total and absolute knowledge - KEVALGNAN). In the second path, there is a suppression (abeyance) instead of destruction of some of the Karmas and so the aspirant falls back from the eleventh stage. In the poem Shrimad has expressed his strong desire to follow the first path since it is the only way to achieve total and absolute knowledge (KEVALGNAN).
Shrimad concludes this great poem with humility and a firm resolve. He knows how difficult it is to reach Moksha and is aware of his current limitations. But he has a dream, a strong will, and a strong commitment to achieve that state. He expresses unwavering faith in the teachings of omniscient souls and is fully confident that as long as he follows the path shown by them, he will ultimately achieve Moksha, the state of endless happiness, peace and bliss.
Shrimad has written eighteen poems and innumerable letters to his friends and followers describing and explaining the deep principles of Jainism. In all his writings, he has emphasized the importance and the necessity of having a spiritual Guru (Sadguru) to help us understand and progress in the path of Moksha. We are fortunate that, though we do not have the privilege of his actual presence as a spiritual Guru, we have his immortal writings to guide us on the path to Moksha. Although we do not enjoy that privilege now in the western world, we are fortunate that we have access to Shrimad's immortal writings.
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