Mahavira and his Teaching

Author(s): C C Shah, Rishabhdas Ranka, Dalsukh Malvania
Publisher: Bhagwan Mahavir 2500th Nirvan Mahotsava Samiti

Page 138

JAINA MYSTICISM
131
pinnacle of transcendental life, but only when they climb up the ladder of annihilation either in this life or in some other to come.
(6) Transcendental life or (a) Sayogakevalī and (b) Ayogakevali Gunasthānas :
The slumbering and the unawakened soul, after passing through the stages of spiritual conversion, moral and intellectual preparation, now arrives at the sublime destination by dint of ascending the rungs of meditational ladder. In the thirteenth stage the soul possesses dispassionate activities (Yoga) and omniscience (Kevalajñāna), hence it is known as Sayogakevali Gunasthānal. It is a state of Jivan-Mukta, a supermental state of existence and an example of divine life upon earth. The fourteenth stage is called Ayogakevalī Gunasthāna, as there the soul annuls all activities (Yogas), but preserves omniscience and other characteristica. In this stage the soul stays for the time required for pronouncing five syllables-a, i, u, r, Ir3. After this, disembodied liberation results (Videha Mukti). To be more clear, the self in the Sayoga Kevalī and Ayoga Kevali Gunasthānas bears the title of ‘Arhat and after this, the title of ‘Siddha'.4 This state of Siddha is beyond all Gunasthānas.5
It may be noted here that the self in these Gunasthānas is called Paramātman“, the doer of Vrttisamkşaya?, and the possessor of ParādỊstis. This perfected mystic is established in truth in all directions'. He experiences bliss, which is supersensuous, unique, 1. Satkhand agama, Vol 1. P. 191 2 Gommatasara Jivakānda, 65
Iñānārnava, Lxi 59 Bhavanàviveka, 234 Gommatasāra Frvakanda, 10 Ibid. 63, 64
Yogabindu, 405, 8. Yogadtstisamuccaya, 178 179 9. Ācāranga Sūtra, 1.4.20.