First Steps to Jainism Part 2

Author(s): Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari
Publisher: Sancheti Trust Jodhpur

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First Steps to Jainism
Samyaktva), Infinite Perception (Anant Darshan), Infinite Knowledge (Anant Gyan), and Infinite prowess (Anant Veerya). Such personages are called Kevali (Perfect beings) Sarvagya (All-knowing) Jina (Victors) and when blessed with Teerthankar Naam (Physique) Karma they become Theerthankars and re-establish the religion and four Teertha Centres of Worship i. e. Monks (Sadhu), Nuns (Sadhvi) Shravaka (Laymen) and Shravika (Lay women).
34. However, the progreess of the pilgrim on this path is not easy. Though hard and fast divisions are not possible the progress of destruction or separation of Karma from the soul (Nirjara) is divided in a number of stages called Gunasthans described in a separate chapter.
In each of these progressive stages the separation of Karma from the soul increases innumerable times from stage to stage and in turn the higher powers of the soul are manifested reaching the highest pinnacle as Jina or perfect being as stated above.
35. However, the Jina or Ompiscent being is not completely liberated or Mukta as four minor Karma are still present. These are called the Aghatiya Karmas and sustain the physical existence, and, as we know, are the Status (Gotra) Age (Aayu), Physique (Naam) and Feeling (Vedniya) Karmas. When these are also destroyed or separated from the soul, the Influx already stopped by Prevention, the soul becomes completely free from Karmas, wordly existence and the rounds of birth and death. This is complete liberation of Mukti or Moksha.
This state is difficult to be described in words, though some attempt has been made in Pt.I. From the point of view of Karma, the subject which is under discussion, liberation or Mukti or Moksha is complete destruction of Karma. According to Tatvarth Sutra “Kritsna Karmakshyo Moksha" i.e. complete destruction of Karma is Moksha.
36. Thus the liberation or Mukti or release of the soul is from Karma bondage and, therefore, the technical and literal meanings are identical in this case. Its significance lies in the fact that the bondage has been with the soul since times immemorial, actually it is beginningless and and the liberation or release is final and irrever