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. ĀTMĀ
Path to Self Conquest:
One's slavery to the dictates of one's lower nature is part of the Karmic matter since it denies the soul and its full power (Bandha). To stop the inflow of new karman (Aśrava) through austerity or restraints (Samvara), which forms the Karmic shield and by penance completely emits the old Karman (Nirjarā), leads the Soul to its Spiritual Zenith namely its Infinite Energy, Absolute Bliss, Omniscient Knowledge, Perception, Supreme Divinity.
The Self....
The path to self conquest is possible through the elimination of Karmic agents, perverted views; non-restraints, carelessness, desires and passions, and activities of austerities, i.e. control of the senses and positive non-violence in the forefront. The process of gradual elimination is presented in 'Fourteen Gunasthanaka' stages.
The higher one is on the ladder, the higher is the degree of purification and lesser is the Karmic matter. The first point is the first rung applicable to human beings and it is here that the Karmic matter is at its densest for human beings. It should be clearly understood that as Karman are shed, there is an increase in the energy of the soul which allows further spiritual growth. Another important point to note is that the effect of Karmic matter is mostly first suppressed, at most of the stages, the degrees of Anger, Pride, Deceit, and Greed are reduced gradually. The overall aim is to eradicate all the Karman.
The fourth stage corresponds to 'True Insight' experience. The revelation of true nature of life and the reality of the soul and equanimity is attained. The serene state encourages the question.
'Who am I?'
The fifth stage is the way of life of an ordinary lay man. Sixth and the seventh are the states of 'Full restraint, Full discipline (Jaina Monk). From eighth to fourteenth are final stages towards Mōkṣa (except the eleventh).
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