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THE JOURNEY OF THE SOUL
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scholars of Vīrasaivism, I have come to realize the differences between the attitude of the two schools of thought. However, this problem needs greater consideration. It is not possible to discuss this problem in detail in the frame-work of this study.
It is not possible to get a thorough understanding of these stages of development by instruction through books. It is necessary to be absorbed in the tradition of the religion for a better understanding of the problem. For instance, it is easier for a Jaina to understand the significance of gunasthānas than for a non-Jaina. Similarly, it is easier for a Vīraśaiva than for others to understand sat-sthalas.33
This is an account of the fourteen stages, or gunasthānas, of the spiritual development. The stages of spiritual development are psychologically significant, although empirical psychology will not be able to explain the significance of these stages. We should realize that 'man is not complete; he is yet to be'. In what he is, he is small. He is occupied every moment with what he can get. But he is hungering for something which is more than what he can get. Tagore writes, "In the midst of our home and our work, the prayer rises 'Lead me across!' For here rolls the sea, and even here lies the other shore waiting to be reached......"34
33 Adi Purāna, Ed. by Kundanagar (K. G.) and Rao Bahadur Chougule. (Kannada).
Introduction. 34 Tagore (R.): Sadhana, The Realization of the Infinite.
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