Introduction to Jaina Sadhna

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 78

Code of Conduct for a Jaina Monk: 71
progress through the ladder of subsidence (upasama-śreni) ascends to the eleventh gunasthāna and the soul, which take up the ladder of annihilation ( Kṣapakaśreņi ), climbs directly to the twelfth stage.
11. This stage is known as upaśānta-mohaniya-guṇasthāna; because in this stage deluding karma remains in the subsided form. It is the highest stage for those who ascend through the ladder of subsidence or suppression. But ultimately the suppressed passions arise and disturb the tranquility of mind. The soul invariably descends from this stage either to the sixth or fifth or fourth or even first stage. This is noteworthy that Jainism does not advocate the process of suppression of the passions for the spiritual progress. This view of Jainism is further supported by the modern psychologists such as Freud etc.
12. The twelfth stage in the spiritual development of the soul is called Kṣiṇamoha-guṇasthāna. In this stage the deluding karma, which is the main obstruction in the spiritual progress, is completely destroyed. At the end of this stage the rest three ghāti-karma, i.e., Jñānāvaraṇa, darśanavaraṇa and antarāya are also destroyed and the soul ascends to the thirteenth stage.
13. This stage is known as sayogi-kevali-guṇasthāna. In this stage soul attains the four infinities, i.e., infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite bliss and infinite power and thus becomes omniscient. It is the highest stage of spiritual development. It is the stage of Jivana-mukti of other systems of Indian Philosophy. Only due to the existence of four non-destructive Karmas, i.e., ayu (age), nāma, gotra and vedaniya, soul remains in the body till the span of age determining karma is not exhausted.
14. This stage is named as ayogi-kevali-guṇasthāna, because in this stage the omniscient soul controls its activities