Gunsthan Kramaroh

The book "Gunsthan Kramaroh" (गुणस्थान क्रमारोह) by Bhavyasundarvijay, published by Jingun Aradhak Trust, is a detailed exposition of the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Gunsthanas) in Jainism. The work is based on the original Sanskrit text by Shrimad Ratnashekhar Surishwarji, enriched with his own commentary (Swopajnya Vritti) and a beautiful Gujarati commentary called "GunTirth" (गुणतीर्थ) by Muni Yashratnavijayji.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the book's content and themes:

Core Subject: The Fourteen Stages of Spiritual Progress (Gunsthanas)

The book is dedicated to explaining the fourteen Gunsthanas, which represent the sequential spiritual development of a soul on its path to liberation (Moksha). Each Gunsthana marks a distinct state of the soul's progress, characterized by the waxing and waning of passions (kashayas) and the shedding of karmic impurities. The book aims to provide a deep and insightful understanding of these stages.

Structure and Content:

• Original Text and Commentary: The foundation of the book is the 136 Sanskrit verses composed by Acharya Ratnashekhar Surishwarji. These verses provide a concise yet profound outline of the Gunsthanas.
• Swopajnya Vritti (Self-Commentary): Ratnashekhar Surishwarji himself wrote a commentary on his verses, elaborating on the subtle and profound meanings, revealing many hidden secrets and presenting the concepts in an engaging style.
• GunTirth Gujarati Commentary: Muni Yashratnavijayji's Gujarati commentary, "GunTirth," is a crucial aspect of this publication. It offers a detailed, accessible, and devotional explanation of the original verses and the Swopajnya Vritti. This commentary clarifies complex philosophical points, provides scriptural evidence, and uses relatable examples to make the teachings comprehensible to a wider audience. The commentary also includes Sanskrit transcriptions of Prakrit texts, translated into Sanskrit.
• Detailed Exposition: The book meticulously describes each of the fourteen Gunsthanas, covering their:
  • Nature and Characteristics: The specific spiritual state and qualities of the soul at each stage.
  • Behavioral Manifestations: How the individual's conduct and thoughts reflect their Gunsthana.
  • Karmic Processes: The binding (bandh), manifestation (uday), and ongoing influence (udīraṇā) of various karmic particles at each stage.
  • Significance and Goal: The ultimate aim and purpose of progressing through these stages.
• Emphasis on the Path to Liberation: The book highlights the journey from the lowest stages (like Mithyatva - wrong belief) through various levels of ethical conduct and concentration, culminating in the highest stages of Kevalgyan (omniscience) and Moksha.
• The Role of Passion and Virtue: A central theme is the continuous struggle with passions (kashayas) and the gradual overcoming of their influence as the soul progresses. The book explains how the control and eventual eradication of passions are key to spiritual advancement.
• The Importance of Right Conduct and Knowledge: The text underscores the Jain principles of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) as essential for traversing the Gunsthanas.
• Spiritual Ascent: The title "Kramaroh" (क्रमारोह) itself signifies ascent, emphasizing the progressive journey upwards through these spiritual levels.

Key Themes and Contributions:

• Spiritual Graph: The book introduces the concept of a personal spiritual graph, distinct from worldly achievements, to measure true progress. The Gunsthanas provide this essential framework.
• In-depth Analysis: It's noted that while the Gunsthanas are discussed in other Jain texts, "Gunsthan Kramaroh" offers a particularly concise and comprehensive analysis of each stage's nature, characteristics, actions, fruits, and duration, including the intricacies of Upasham Shreni (stages of appeasing passions) and Kshapak Shreni (stages of destroying passions).
• Guidance for Spiritual Seekers: The book is presented as an invaluable resource for anyone on the spiritual path, offering clear guidance on the stages of development, the nature of meditation (dhyana), and the importance of correct practices.
• Veneration of Preceptors: The publication expresses deep reverence for the lineage of Acharyas and Gurus who have inspired and contributed to this work, highlighting their wisdom and grace.
• Preservation of Knowledge: The Gujarati commentary by Muni Yashratnavijayji is crucial for making the profound philosophical concepts accessible to Gujarati-speaking readers, thus preserving and disseminating this vital Jain knowledge. The careful purification and annotation of the text from various manuscripts demonstrate a commitment to accuracy and scholarship.

Overall Purpose:

"Gunsthan Kramaroh" serves as a spiritual roadmap, guiding souls towards the ultimate goal of liberation. It emphasizes that true progress lies in the development of inner qualities, the shedding of karmic bonds, and the progressive ascent through the stages of spiritual purity. The book is presented as a gift of knowledge, intended to inspire readers to strive for self-improvement and spiritual realization.