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Chapter 4: Statement of Six Fundamentals
Chapter 4 Statement of Six Fundamentals Treading on the path of liberation involves a long journey. One has to advance on that path step by step. Such an advance can be compared to a ladder of elevation. Jainism conceives of such a ladder having 14 steps. They are called Gunasthänaks, meaning the stages of elevation. The initial three stages consist of wrong or semi-wrong perception. During those stages an aspirant is below the level of a truth seeker. Right perception emerges in the 4th stage. The actual and lasting spiritual advancement starts from that stage. Every activity, including the acute austerities, is considered futile in absence of this right perception. Since the aspirant is not in a position to observe restraints at this stage, it is termed as the stage of right perception without restraints.
While explaining the characteristics of truth seekers laid down in the last chapter, it was mentioned that the description therein presents the step by step advancement till the emergence of right thinking. By virtue of such thinking, one is induced to think of six basic aspects relating to the soul. Having unwavering faith in those six aspects constitutes right perception. Therefore the Letter of Six Fundamentals (Appendix-II), which was addressed by Shrimad to Laghuräjswämi, states that those six basic aspects are the abode of right perception.
Some people would contend that those Fundamentals are not found in Jain tradition; they have never even heard of them. As such, they fail to make out from where they have been brought forth. It would therefore be pertinent to point out that they are from the ancient scriptures. Of the original 12 scriptures, the last one, Drashtiväd, has been lost since more than 2000 years. But from its description in Samaväyäng and other texts, it is learnt that it contained 14 Purvas. The 7th Purva
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