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had a binding effect on it previously. There is a contact with fresh karmas but the duration and intensity of the fresh karmas contacted are limited. The individual in this stage is filled with confidence, for, never before has he experienced such strength of will and such powers which are at his command.
Stages 9 & 10: Anivrtti bādara samparāya guṇasthāņa & Sūkşma samparāya guṇasthāna : These represent the stages of 'spiritual warfare' and the new weapon with which the individual is equipped is made use of. In the first stage there is mainly a fight against the gross emotions and crude impulses (anivetti bādara). In the next stage the battle is waged against emotions and passions (sükşma) which are experienced by the individual in a subtle form.
Stage 11 : Upaśānta kaşāya vītarāga chadmastha guṇasthāna : This stage of spiritual evolution witnesses the total suppression of the passions and to this extent the individual has succeeded in getting rid of the evil influences of karma. He is free from attachment (vītarāga). Yet there is always the danger of the recurrence of the passions and emotions, and hence also the kārmic influence being exerted again. From the point of view of upaśama śreni this stage represents the peak of the summit.
Stage 12 : Kșīņa kaṣāya vītarāga chadmastha guṇasthāna : Annihilation of kārmic influence is effectively achieved in this stage and this represents the end of the journey represented by the jīva treading on the steps of the kşīņaka śreņi. This stage represents the peak of the summit of annihilated passions (ksina kasāya).
Stage 13 : Sayogi kevali guṇasthāna : In the last instant of the previous stage, the soul becomes completely free from the four obscuring karmas, viz., jñānāvarana, darsanāvarana, vedaniya and mohaniya karmas. Kevala-jñāna is attained in this stage. Still the activity of the body, mind and speech continues (sayogi). The soul is not free from the four aghāti karmas, viz., äyus, nāma, gotra and antarāya karmas. When the āyus karmas get exhausted, the effects of the other karmas also cease. Before the next stage is reached all activities come to a stop.
Stage 14 : Ayogi kevali guṇasthāna : This is the stage of complete freedom. In this stage the individual transcends all traces of imperfection and he enjoys purity of consciousness. This is the consummation stage of getting the right faith, right knowledge and
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