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A Treatise on Jainism
91
destroyed. From the 8th to the 12th, all are the progressive stages of meditation. In these stages à saint is deeply absorbed in meditation and self-realisation. From the above, we note that a Soul when it observes and follows. the 13 rules of conduct, remains, either in the condition of an Acharya, Upadhyaya or a Sadhu and the attainment of the condition of being an Arhat or a Siddha is an outcome of the observance of the Rules of Right conduct. The Arhat or Arihant and the Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu are said to be MahanAtmas (Great Souls). All the above five i.e. the Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus are called five Supreme Dignitaries (Pancha Parmeshthi). It is only these five Dignitaries, who are worshipped by the Jainas in general. The Most Miraculous Benedictory Hymn (Navakar Mantra) which every Jain usually recites everyday consists of Namaskar to this Panch Parmeshthi. This Mantra comprises an adoration of qualities. In it, we have the praise of the Highest Souls (Siddhas) who have completely realised all the natural and inherent qualities of the Soul and of those qualified persons who are on their way to realization.
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