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Bhagawan Mahavir )
( 549
of infinite knowledge, sight and happiness. But due to the weaknesses caused by Karmas there are different stages in the development. The nature of that soul which is, to a degree, in the clutches of Karmas is very much eclipsed and deformed. The nature of that soul which is slightly affected is more and more developed. These different stages are called in Jain Philosophy as Gunasthanas.The development, of the soul are called Gunasthanas.
According to this view-point of the development of the soul, the soul of the delivered saint is the most developed because it is completely free from all influences due to contact with oxternal world. In this spiritual warfare he has gained most complete victory. That soul which is misled by illusion is the least developed because it is deeply envoloped by strong passions, which have gained complete mastery over it. One is the highest development while the other is the lowest. Within these two extreme limits are to be found of souls developed to different countless numbers of degrees. But these can be broadly divided into fourteen stages. These are called the fourteen Gunasthanas. These fourteen are the steps of the ladder leading to the magnificent mansion of Moksha, the gradual ascending of which gives entry to the gorgeous portals of this majestic citadel. But this climb is not smooth." saiia ag lasata 1 " Good deeds are beset with mountain-high obstacles. Accordingly when the soul roaming in different species turns to these steps on his way to Moksha he has to carry on an indescribably wonderful warfare of a weful intensity. When the soul with full preparations begins the ascent, some powerful warrior in the form of some remotely related sin or illusion
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