Gunsthan Praveshika

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gunsthan Praveshika" by Yashpal Jain, published by Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur. The book serves as an introductory guide to the fourteen Gunsthans (stages of spiritual evolution) in Jainism, primarily drawing from the Gommatasar scripture.

Here's a breakdown of the content:

Overall Purpose: The book aims to simplify the understanding of Gunsthans, a complex topic in Jain philosophy, particularly for those studying the Karananuyog (theological section of Jain scriptures). It addresses the difficulties faced by learners due to the technical jargon and provides a structured approach to grasping this fundamental concept.

Structure and Content:

The book is divided into three main chapters:

Chapter 1: Samyagyan Chandrika Peethika (Introduction to Right Knowledge)

• Author's Intent: The author, Bra. Yashpalji Jain, was inspired to compile this book to help students in spiritual education camps understand the Gunsthan chapter of Gommatasar. He noticed their struggles with the technical terminology of Karananuyog.
• Inspiration from Pandit Todarmal: The initial part of this chapter features a significant excerpt from Pandit Todarmalji's commentary on Gommatasar, titled "Samyagyan Chandrika." This introduction is intended to motivate readers towards studying Karananuyog by highlighting its importance and providing a comparative perspective of the four Anuyogs (Jain scriptural divisions).
• Benefits of Studying Scriptures (Shastraabhyas): This section elaborates on the numerous advantages of scriptural study, including:
  • Generating right faith (Samyagdarsan).
  • Reducing passions (Kashayas).
  • Destroying the three "arrows" (Shalya): Maya (deceit), Mithyattva (false belief), and Nidan (vow for future reward).
  • Stabilizing the mind.
  • Eliminating troublesome thoughts.
  • Facilitating deep meditation (Dharma Dhyan and Shukla Dhyan).
  • Strengthening commitment to vows and practices.
  • Propagating Jinendra's teachings.
  • Destroying karmic debts.
  • Accelerating the shedding of karma.
  • Cultivating contentment.
  • Manifesting virtues like forgiveness.
  • Discerning between what to accept and reject.
  • Understanding ultimate and conventional truths.
  • Recognizing knowledge as the greatest wealth and the act of giving knowledge as the greatest charity.
  • Attaining liberation (Moksha).
• Question-Answer Format (Peethika): This part addresses potential doubts and philosophical arguments that might arise regarding the study of scriptures, particularly Karananuyog. It defends the necessity and benefits of studying these texts, even by those with limited intellect, emphasizing the paramount importance of scriptural study for spiritual progress. It also clarifies that the author has compiled these questions and answers from various authentic Jain texts without adding personal opinions.

Chapter 2: Important Question-Answer (Mahatvapurna Prashnottar)

• Focus on Karmas and States: This chapter is dedicated to providing clear definitions and explanations of fundamental Jain concepts, primarily related to karma and the states of the soul.
• Key Concepts Covered:
  • Karma: Definitions of karma, Karmic energy (Karmavargana), the eight types of karma (four Ghatikarmas and four Aghatikarmas), and their specific functions.
  • Ghatikarmas: Detailed explanations of Jnana-avarana (knowledge-obscuring), Darshana-avarana (perception-obscuring), Mohaniya (delusion), and Antaraya (obstruction) karmas.
  • Aghatikarmas: Explanations of Vedaniya (feeling), Ayushya (lifespan), Nama (body-determining), and Gotra (status-determining) karmas.
  • Types of Karma: Distinction between Sarvaghata (completely destructive) and Deshaghata (partially destructive) karmas and their respective permutations.
  • Mohaniya Karma: Detailed breakdown of Darshan-Mohaniya (faith-deluding) and Charitra-Mohaniya (conduct-deluding) karma, including their sub-types like Mithyatva, Samya-mithyatva, Samyak-prakriti, and the sixteen Kashayas (Anantanubandhi, Apratyakhyanavarna, Pratyakhyanavarna, Sanjvalan) and nine Nokashayas (Hasya, Rati, etc.).
  • States of Karma: Explanation of the ten states of karma (Bandha, Satta, Uday, Udirana, Utkarshan, Apakarshan, Sankraman, Upashanta, Nidhitti, Nikachita).
  • Karma Process: Definitions of bond (Bandha), its four types (Prakriti, Pradesh, Sthiti, Anubhaga), sustenance (Satta), manifestation (Uday), premature manifestation (Udirana), enhancement (Utkarshan), reduction (Apakarshan), transformation (Sankraman), dormancy (Upashanta), irreversibility (Nidhitti), and absolute irreversibility (Nikachita).
  • Expulsion/Destruction of Karma: Concepts of Kshaya (destruction), Shreni (ladder/path of purification), Upsham (suppression), and Kshayopasham (partial destruction and suppression).
  • Stages of Consciousness related to Karma: Detailed explanations of Udayavali (time of manifestation), Nishek (unit of karma manifesting at a time), Shreni (stages of climbing the spiritual ladder – Upasham Shreni and Kshapak Shreni), and their respective Gunsthans.
  • Types of Faith (Samyaktva) and Conduct (Charitra): Explanations of Aupashamik, Kshayopashamik, and Kshayik Samyaktva and Charitra.
  • Soul's States (Asadharan Bhav): The five types of soul states: Aupashamik, Kshayik, Kshayopashamik, Audayik, and Parinamic.
  • Causality: Definitions of Nimitta Karan (instrumental cause) and Nimitta-Naimittika Sambandh (cause-effect relationship).
  • Time and Magnitude: Definitions of AvalI, Samaya, Antarmuhurta, Muhurta, Purva, Sagar, Asankhyat (innumerable), and Ananta (infinite).
  • Other Concepts: Samudghat (projection of soul-matter), Vigrahagati (transmigration), Subhopayoga (auspicious spiritual exertion), Ashubhopayoga (inauspicious spiritual exertion), Shuddhopayoga (pure spiritual exertion), Shuddha Parinati (pure transformation), the three Karanas (Adhah karan, etc.), and the distinction between instrumental cause and soul's own effort.
  • The Importance of Gunsthan Knowledge: This section reiterates why understanding Gunsthans is crucial for distinguishing true saints, understanding scriptures, and charting one's spiritual path.

Chapter 3: The Fourteen Gunsthans (The Fourteen Stages)

• Introduction to Gunsthans: This chapter begins by explaining the essence and necessity of understanding Gunsthans. It emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to attain the state of a Siddha (liberated soul), and to achieve this, one must understand the journey through these stages. The definition of Gunsthan is given as the varying states of the soul's faith and conduct influenced by passions (Moh) and activities (Yoga).
• Listing of the Fourteen Gunsthans: The book lists and briefly describes each of the fourteen Gunsthans based on the Gommatasar. The stages are:
  1. Mithyattva (False Belief): Characterized by the dominance of delusion and the absence of right faith.
  2. Sasadan Samyaktva (Degenerate Right Faith): A temporary state where right faith is present but is being attacked by severe passions, leading to a fall from the path.
  3. Samya-Mithyatva/Mishra (Mixed Right and False Belief): A state where both right and false beliefs are present simultaneously.
  4. Avirata Samyaktva (Incontinent Right Faith): Right faith is present, but there is no observance of vows or control over passions.
  5. Deshavirata (Partial Restraint): Observance of partial vows (Anuvratas), indicating a stage of partial restraint.
  6. Pramatta Virata (Careful Restraint with Passions): Observance of full vows (Mahavratas) but with the presence of subtle passions and the possibility of negligence.
  7. Apramatta Virata (Careful Restraint without Passions): Full vows are observed, and negligence is absent; a state of diligent spiritual practice.
  8. Apurvakaran (Unprecedented Progress): A stage of intense spiritual effort leading to unprecedented progress and purification.
  9. Anivarttikaran (Unfaltering Progress): A stage of continuous and unwavering progress, where the soul moves towards higher states without regression.
  10. Sukshma Samparaya (Subtle Passions): Passions are reduced to a very subtle level.
  11. Upashanta Moha (Suppressed Passions): All passions are temporarily suppressed.
  12. Kshina Moha (Destroyed Passions): All passions are completely destroyed.
  13. Samyogi Kevali (Soul with Body and Psychic Activity): Attainment of omniscience while still embodied and with psychic activities.
  14. Ayogi Kevali (Soul without Body and Psychic Activity): Attainment of omniscience in a disembodied state, having completely ceased all activities.
• Detailed Descriptions: For each Gunsthan, the book provides:
  • Definition: Based on Gommatasar and other scriptures.
  • Other Names: Synonymous terms used in Jain literature.
  • Clarification: Explanations of specific terms and nuances.
  • Samay (Time): The duration of stay in that stage.
  • Gamanagamana (Movement): The possible transitions to and from that stage.
  • Characteristics/Specialties: Key features and unique aspects of each stage.
  • Relationship with Karma: How specific karmic conditions enable progression or regression through the Gunsthans.
• Progression and Regression: The book also includes a section that outlines the typical paths of movement between the Gunsthans, illustrating how souls ascend and descend through these stages.
• Siddha Bhagwan (The Liberated Soul): The book concludes by describing the state of a Siddha, who has transcended all Gunsthans and attained eternal liberation.

Target Audience and Significance: This book is invaluable for students of Jain philosophy, scholars, and anyone seeking a clear and systematic understanding of the path to spiritual liberation as described in Jainism. By simplifying the complex concepts of karma and spiritual progression, it makes profound Jain teachings accessible to a wider audience. The revised and expanded fifth edition reflects its continued relevance and popularity.

In essence, "Gunsthan Praveshika" is a guide that illuminates the soul's journey from the depths of delusion to the heights of liberation, stage by stage, providing essential knowledge for the spiritual seeker.