________________
STAGES OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
223 SEVENTH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
(Apramatta-gunasthāna)
The word “apramatta' means one who is free from spiritual lethargy (pramáda). This is the stage of the mendicant who has conquered spiritual lethargy by spiritual vigilance and vigour as also by wholesome meditation. Here the degree of the intensity of kasāyas is further reduced to such an extent that they are unable to soil the pure and faultless conduct.
EIGHTH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
(Apūrvakaraṇa-guņasthāna)
This stage is so called because here the soul performs the process of apūrvakarana and thereby attains unprecedented purity. In this stage it gains unprecedented spiritual vigour and fervour necessary for effecting suppression or annihilation of the conductdeluding karma. From this stage onwards begins the process of either supression or annihilation of the conduct-deluding karma. (As a matter of fact, having its strong base in this stage, the process actually starts from the next i.e. ninth stage).
NINTH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
(Anivșttikaraṇa-gunasthāna)
This stage is so called because here the soul performs the process of anivịttikarana while effecting suppression or annihilation of the conduct-deluding karmas. This and the previous stage indicate the different degrees of internal purity, attained by the soul.' 1. Apūrvakarana and anivșttikaraņa operative in the first stage are related to right faith.
Similarly, the two operative in the eighth and the ninth stages respectively are related to the highest conduct.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
