Uniqueness of jain Spirituality

Author(s): Ramjee Singh
Publisher: Z_Sumanmuni_Padmamaharshi_Granth_012027.pdf

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Glory of Jain Culture
spiritual exertion through fourteen stages of spiritual evolution. Here mysticism and metaphysics co-mingle.
We can broadly classify these 14 stages of spiritual advancement under the following heads :(1) Dark period of Self prior to its
awakening Awakening of the self and fall from awakening
Purgation. (4) Illumination. (5) Dark period post-illumination and (6) Transcendental life.
actions of the body, speech and mind. Hence what is necessary precondition of liberation is not only stoppage of the fresh-flow of karmic matter but also dissipation of the old one through austerities. Then only the soul experiences eternal bliss. However, there is a dilemma : If Moksa or liberation is the product of spiritual sadhana, it is non-eternal and if it is not such a product, it is either constitutional or inherent or at least impossible of attainment. Even the Jaina doctrine of constitutional freedom of the soul and the four infinities present a difficulty. If the self is inherently good and perfect, how can karma be associated with the soul ? If karma is said to be cause of bondage and bondage the cause of karma. Then there is the fallacy of circumlarity and also regressusadinfinitum. If the karma is beginningless, then now can the soul be essentially perfect? Thus all the doctrines of means of liberation become quite meaningless. Hence, logic will force the Jainas to make a distinction between the manifest and unmanifest Liberation is not the attainment of what is already attained but manifestation of what was latent in the soul. In this sense, liberation in Jainism is not something new but a rediscovery of man himself through self-realisation. True happiness lies within.
The soul has, no doubt, inherent capacity for emancipation but this capacity remains dormant unless it gets an opportunity for expression, through some
The dark period of self prior to awakening is a period of discontent and disquiet, due to deluding Karma. This is Mithyātva which is responsible for turning our perspective to such an illegitimate direction that in effect there ensures perverted belief or non-belief in ultimate values. It is also corruption of knowledge and conduct as well. The plight of self is like an eclipsed moon or completely clouded sky. It is a stage of spiritual slumber with the peculiarity that the self itself is not cognisant of its drowsy state. It aims at moral-intellectual and spiritual conversion. Mere intellectual enlightenment is not enough. So also mere moral life is not enough. What is required is tripple transformation in mental, moral as well as spiritual life. Intellectual attainments and moral achievements are unequivocally
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The Uniqueness of Jain Spirituality