________________
[ 273 ) exist in a state of deeper gloom. This is all we should like to say in regard to this first gunasthāna.
The second gunasthāna is known as sāsvādana samyagdsști. I It is pointed out by great saints that the second stage is not reached by a soul by way of ascent from the first but it is reached for a short time on account of down fall from a higher stage. By way of illustration, it may be pointed out that if on the appearance of the first enlightment life-long passions rise up, the soul naturally falls down from this enlightenment to the second stage. There are other occasions also when the soul falls to this stage. Once the soul falls into the second it falls further down to the first stage.
The third stage of spiritual development is described as a stage marked by Samyag dệsţi and Mithyadrşți both.2 If after the first enlightenment, semipure karma deluding the vision rises, the soul falls down for a short while into this stage. Subsequently, it may fall back to the first stage and rise up to a higher stage.
The fourth Gunasthāna is called Aviratasamyagdrsți. In this stage there is right vision without abstinence. It is evident that in this stage the right vision has been acquired but spiritual strength is wanting. As a result of this anomaly, knowledge and will may persist and yet the soul may take to the wrong path. Self-control of spirit is absent, though the vision is steady. This right vision may be due to one or two causes. It may be due to the fact that vision-deluding karma has totally subsided. This is Upašama or it inay be due to the fact that this karma has altogether subsided. This is called Kşaya. Right vision in this way may be due to two causes but it must be remembered that the spiritual development is not possible unless vision, knowledge and self-control, are equally strengthened. In this case what is wanted is self-control, though vision and knowledge are already there. Self-control is wanting in this stage inspite of the right will,
1. Gomaţt sára, Jivakīnda, 19-20. 2. Ibid, 21-24 3. Ibid, 27-29
18
