YJ International Newsletter 2005 Vol 22 No 01

Author(s): Young Jains (UK)
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 8

s we celebrate and contemplate the last twenty years of the work of Young Jains, we look forward to the organisation sharing the values and eternal truths of our dharma to future generations with characteristic flair.
A
Over the years, we have tried to understand, nurture and inspire an exploration of the key themes of the dharma. Several thousand souls have been touched by their encounter with Young Jains and its initiatives, so as to better their immediate lives and to enhance the quality of their spiritual quest.
This article will explore the journey of the soul on this quest, ultimately culminating in Moksha, whose realisation must permeate the practice and understanding which the soul strives to cultivate and perfect. Jain texts describe progress towards this goal in fourteen steps, known as the gunasthana(k)s. We will use the framework they provide as guide to discussing certain key steps in spiritual development.
The table below will facilitate our discussion, and while this essay will inevitably become a little technical, we will gain insight into the process of unleashing the soul's infinite, abundant, eternal bliss.
The most familiar term in this "ladder" of spiritual development is Keval Gnan, Omniscience, a state of boundless consciousness. The pure joy of this state is indescribable and yet its majesty is celebrated in our devotional songs, as well as worshipped in the first two lines of the Navkar Mantra. It is this unconditional and unconstrained happiness which inspires the seeker.
Gunasthana(k)
First: Mithyadrashti
Fourth: Avirati Samyak Darshan
Progress Through the Gunasthanaks
By Ashik Shah
Fifth: Desh Virata Samyak Darshan
Seventh: Apramatta Virata Samyak Darshan
Twelfth: Kshina Moha
Thirteenth: Sayogi Keval Gnan
Sixth: Sarva Virata Samyak n/a Darshan
n/a
Fourteenth: Ayogi Keval Gnan
Darshan Mohaniya Charitra Mohaniya (Perception Deluding) Karma
3 types in operation 3 suppressed or eliminated
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Moksha is freedom from the bondage of Karma and progress to Moksha can be considered in these terms. The Tattvartha Sutra states: "Mithyadarshan Avirati Pramad Kashay Yogaha Bandhahetavaha." "Delusion (false belief), non-restraint, spiritual laxity, passions and activities: the cause of bondage."
The primary cause of bondage is Mithyadarshan or Mithyatva. This corresponds to the very first Gunasthan, known as Mithyadrashti. In this state, the soul is deluded about its true nature and the chief manifestation of this delusion is our misidentification with the body which is our temporary abode. This in turn causes our worldly hankering and materialism.
When we pierce through the veil of delusion, we progress to the state of Samyak Darshan, SelfRealisation. Often described as Right Faith, this potentially mundane definition fails to portray the tremendous spiritual importance of this state.
'Any undertaking or venture must have a clear goal and this must be inspired by a clear vision...'
Professor P.S. Jaini has described it as the "First Awakening." It is the moment when we experience the soul for the first time and it is key to the transformation of our spiritual future. Samyak Darshan is one of the three jewels which constitute the path to Moksha.
(Conduct Deluding) Karma
All 25 types in operation The most intense types, causing the most intense (anantanubandhi) passions, overcome
The next most intense types (apratyakhyan-avaraniya), overcome The next most intense types (pratyakhyan-avaraniya), overcome The next most intense types (sanjvalana), causing smouldering passions and carelessness, overcome All eliminated
All eliminated
All eliminated
For Personal & Pivate Use Only
5 causes
Mithyadarshan (Delusion)
Mithyadarshan overcome and Avirati (Nonrestraint) and others still in operation
Avirati (Non-restraint) partially overcome.
Avirati overcome, but Pramad (Laxity or carelessness) in operation.
Pramad overcome and kashays still in operation.
Kashays finally eliminated, but yoga still in operation.
Yoga, functions of mind, speech and body, still in operation.
All five causes of bondage eliminated.