Choud Gunsthanak Part 03 Gunasthank 05 To 14 - Book Summary

Based on the provided Gujarati Jain text, here is a comprehensive summary in English, focusing on the content related to the fifth to fourteenth stages of spiritual progress (Gun Sthanak):

Book Title: Choud Gunsthanak Part 03 Gunasthank 05 to 14 Author: Narvahanvijay Publisher: Narvahanvijay Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009175/1

This text describes the Jain spiritual path through its stages of progress, known as Gun Sthanaks. This specific excerpt focuses on Gun Sthanak 5 through 14, detailing the characteristics, practices, and karmic conditions associated with each stage.

Gun Sthanak 5: Deshvirati (Partial Renunciation)

Entry: Attained by those with Upasham Samyakva (suppressed belief) or Kshayo-upsham Samyakva (partial destruction-suppression of belief-causing karma) who develop partial renunciation.
Karmic Condition: Requires a reduction in the duration of certain karma (like the seven types of karma) from cosmic ocean-like periods to a more manageable period of countable palyopam.
Characteristics: This stage is characterized by refraining from eleven types of non-destruction (avirati) – the killing of monadic beings (earth, water, fire, air, plants) – and abstaining from engaging the five senses and mind in their objects. There isn't complete renunciation of violence against mobile beings (trasakaya), but rather a commitment to not intentionally kill innocent mobile beings or have them killed.
Who Attains: Only humans and fully conscious five-sensed animals (sannipanchindriya tiryanch) with limited lifespans can attain this stage.
Prevalence: While there are innumerable animals in the universe, particularly in regions outside the Adhai Dweep, humans in this state are limited to the fifteen karmabhumi regions (five Bharat, five Airavat, and five Mahavideh regions). At least one soul attains this stage every fifteen days.
Karmic Classification: This stage involves the reduction of karmic conditions related to: Apraatyakhyan (non-renunciation) of four passions, human existence, human lifespan, human anupurvi, first type of samhanan (body structuring), audarik body, and audarik angopang. A total of ten karma prakriti are cut off at this stage. Additionally, sixty-six (66) other karma prakriti are indicated to be bound or influenced at this stage.
Meditations: The three diamonds depicted near this stage represent three types of meditation: Art (sorrowful) and Raudra (fierce) meditation (represented by the two dull, dark diamonds) and Dharma (religious) meditation (represented by the shining central diamond). Art and Raudra meditation are weakened, while Dharma meditation is moderate and can increase.
Practices: Followers at this stage (Shravaks) observe specific vows and practices:
- Jaghanya (Lower): Renunciation of gross violence, avoidance of intoxicants like alcohol, meat, and honey, observance of Panch Parmeshthi Namaskar and remembrance.
- Madhyam (Middle): Abandonment of minor vices, earning wealth through righteous means, adherence to householder dharma, observance of six daily duties (shatkarm), and acceptance of twelve vows (dvadashavrat).
- Utkrushta (Higher): Abstinence from food that has been in contact with living beings (sachit), fasting once daily (ekasanu), observing celibacy, continuous desire for the great vows (mahavrat), and renunciation or detachment from worldly occupations.
Key Vows (Dvadashavrat):
1. Gross violence (sthool pranatipata)
2. Gross falsehood (sthool mrushavada)
3. Gross theft (sthool chori)
4. Adultery (pardar)
5. Gross possessiveness (sthool parigrah)
6. Directional limitation (dishipraman)
7. Regulation of indulgence in pleasures (bhogopbhog)
8. Abstinence from useless activities (anarth dand viraman)
9. Samayika (meditation for a period)
10. Deshavakashika (partial limitation of activities)
11. Paushadhopvasa (observing fasting on specific days)
12. Atithisamvibhak (hospitality to monks/nuns).
Duration: The maximum duration at this stage is slightly less than a koti purva (a very long period of time).
Significance: Progress to this stage is considered a significant step towards spiritual upliftment, moving away from lower states of existence and towards the path of complete renunciation.

Gun Sthanak 6: Pramatta Virati (Careless Renunciation)

Attainment: This stage is attained by those who have achieved complete renunciation (Sarva Virati).
Karmic State: Souls at this stage are generally free from the four types of Pratyakhyan (non-renunciation) of passions. However, due to the influence of 'Sanjvalan' passions, there's a possibility of carelessness or minor lapses.
Nature of Stage: This stage is described as a "swinging" stage (hindola saman), implying a potential for fluctuation. The soul is in a state of complete renunciation but can be affected by subtle carelessness.
Duration: The duration can be up to a koti purva, minus a small fraction.
Practices: Souls at this stage are primarily focused on the five great vows (Mahavrat) and the twenty-five Bhavanas (contemplations). They also practice the eight 'Pravachan Mata' (principles of spiritual conduct) and ten types of 'Samachari' (conduct rules).
Karmic Elements: This stage involves the purification of karma and the generation of 'Apramatta Bhava' (carefulness).
Meditation: Souls here engage in deep meditation, experiencing a joy so profound that it is considered superior to the pleasures of even the highest heavens (Anuttar Vasi Dev).

Gun Sthanak 7: Apramatta Virati (Careful Renunciation)

Entry: Attained by those who have overcome carelessness (pramada) at the previous stage.
Characteristics: This stage represents perfect carefulness and consistent adherence to vows and principles. The soul is free from the five types of pramada (carelessness: mad, speech, body, sleep, and sensual desires).
Karmic State: Souls here are highly purified, with minimal karmic influence. They are focused on practices that lead to further spiritual progress, such as constant contemplation, self-inquiry, and adherence to the principles of Jain philosophy.
Meditation: The soul engages in the initial stages of Sukla Dhyana (pure meditation), specifically the first four foundational levels: Ajna Vichay (contemplation of divine command), Vipaka Vichay (contemplation of karma results), Apaya Vichay (contemplation of downfall), and Samsthan Vichay (contemplation of form/structure). These meditations are considered foundational for higher spiritual states.
Karmic Purity: Significant purification of karma occurs, leading to enhanced spiritual insight and the potential for higher achievements.
The Four Meditations:
1. Ajna Vichay: Reflecting on the divine commands and teachings of the Tirthankaras.
2. Vipaka Vichay: Understanding the results of one's actions (karma) and their consequences.
3. Apaya Vichay: Reflecting on the transient nature of worldly existence and the path to liberation.
4. Samsthan Vichay: Contemplating the nature of the universe and the soul's place within it.

Gun Sthanak 8: Apurva Karan (Unprecedented Causation)

Entry: Attained after overcoming the fluctuations of the previous stage, where the soul begins to experience unprecedented spiritual progress.
Karmic State: In this stage, the soul actively works towards the destruction and suppression of mohaniya (delusion) karma. This involves specific processes like 'Sthiti Ghat' (reduction of karmic duration), 'Ras Ghat' (reduction of karmic intensity), 'Guna Shreni' (accumulation of virtues), 'Guna Sankram' (transfer of virtues), and 'Apurva Sthiti Bandh' (binding of unprecedented karma duration).
Significance: This stage is crucial for purifying the soul and preparing it for higher states of consciousness. The soul starts to overcome the subtle influences of mohaniya karma, leading to greater clarity and spiritual insight.
Practices: The soul engages in advanced practices and meditations that lead to the reduction of mohaniya karma. This is a critical stage for the gradual shedding of karmic bonds.
Karmic Reduction: This stage involves the reduction of various karma prakriti, including those related to senses, passions, and body structures.

Gun Sthanak 9: Anivritti Badar (Uninterrupted/Gross Cessation)

Characteristics: The soul is free from the grosser forms of mohaniya karma, with only the most subtle forms remaining. The soul experiences a state of profound internal peace and detachment.
Karmic State: At this stage, the soul has largely subdued or eliminated grosser passions and attachments. The focus is on eradicating the subtlest remaining karmic influences.
Practices: The soul is deeply engrossed in pure meditation (Shukla Dhyana), specifically the second level, known as 'Savitaraka, Savichara, Sa-prithaktva'. This involves a deeper understanding of self and reality, free from gross attachments.
Karmic Destruction: Continued efforts in meditation lead to the shedding of further karmic layers, bringing the soul closer to liberation.
Key Concept: This stage is characterized by the cessation of gross forms of mohaniya karma and the focus on eradicating the subtle ones.

Gun Sthanak 10: Sukshma Samparaya (Subtle Passion)

Characteristics: This is the final stage of attachment, where only the subtlest form of mohaniya karma (Loh Krodh) remains, existing in a very attenuated state.
Karmic State: The soul has overcome all gross and subtle passions. Only the most refined form of delusion (Loh - greed/attachment) persists, which is extremely subtle.
Practices: The soul engages in the most refined forms of meditation, specifically the third level of Sukla Dhyana (Savitaraka, Vichara, Sa-prithaktva). This involves deep contemplation and the process of eradicating the last vestiges of mohaniya karma.
Karmic Eradication: This stage is marked by the progressive elimination of the remaining mohaniya karma, especially the subtlest form of greed.

Gun Sthanak 11: Upashant Moh (Suppressed Delusion)

Entry: Attained by souls who have suppressed or suppressed the remaining mohaniya karma.
Characteristics: The soul experiences a state of profound equanimity and detachment. All passions (kashaya) are suppressed, leading to a state of inner peace.
Karmic State: All mohaniya karma is suppressed, not destroyed. This means the soul has the potential to fall back to lower states if the suppression weakens.
Meditation: The soul is in a state of pure meditation (Sukla Dhyana), specifically the fourth level, which is 'Vitarka, Vichara, Aprithaktva'. This is a state of deep concentration, free from any gross or subtle mental distractions.
Potential Fallback: Souls at this stage can fall back to lower stages if the suppressed karma re-emeries.

Gun Sthanak 12: Kshina Moh (Destroyed Delusion)

Entry: Attained by souls who have completely destroyed the remaining mohaniya karma.
Characteristics: This stage represents the complete eradication of all delusion and passions. The soul has achieved a state of perfect knowledge and vision.
Karmic State: All mohaniya karma is destroyed (kshay). The soul is free from all impurities of delusion.
Meditation: The soul is in the highest state of pure meditation (Sukla Dhyana), specifically the fourth level, which is 'Vitarka, Vichara, Aprithaktva'. This is the state of perfect equanimity and pure consciousness.
Attainment: Souls at this stage are on the verge of achieving omniscience (Keval Gyan) and liberation (Moksha).

Gun Sthanak 13: Sayogi Kevali (Omniscient with Body)

Entry: Attained by souls who have destroyed all four types of ghata karma (knowledge-obscuring, perception-obscuring, destructive, and obstructive).
Characteristics: The soul possesses complete, perfect, and unobstructed knowledge (Keval Gyan) and perception (Keval Darshan). They are omniscient and have conquered all limitations.
Karmic State: All four ghata karmas are destroyed. The soul is in its pure, omniscient state.
Meditation: The soul remains in the fourth level of Sukla Dhyana, often referred to as 'Anivrutti Vadar' (cessation of gross activity) or 'Nirvikalpa Samadhi' (undifferentiated meditation).
Lifespan: Souls at this stage can have a lifespan of up to several purva koti years, depending on their remaining ayushya karma. They are also known as Tirthankara Kevalis if they have earned Tirthankar Nam Karma.
Causality: The text mentions the concept of 'Kevali Samudghat' (shedding of karmic particles) performed by Kevalis with remaining ayushya to equalize their remaining karma duration for liberation.

Gun Sthanak 14: Ayogi Kevali (Omniscient without Body)

Entry: Attained upon the complete destruction of all remaining karma, including the remaining ayushya karma.
Characteristics: The soul is completely liberated from the cycle of birth and death. It exists in a state of pure, infinite, and blissful consciousness, residing in Siddhashila at the top of the universe.
Karmic State: All karma, including ayushya karma, is destroyed. The soul is in its pure, liberated state.
Meditation: The soul resides in its pure, inherent state of consciousness, beyond all forms of meditation.
Liberation: This is the ultimate goal in Jainism, the state of Moksha, where the soul achieves eternal bliss and freedom from all worldly bondage.

The text also delves into the practices of the Shravak (lay follower) as they progress through these stages, emphasizing the importance of the twelve vows, meditations, and the gradual purification of the soul. The detailed descriptions of the stages, the associated meditations, and the karmic nuances provide a deep insight into the Jain path to liberation.