International Jain Conference 1985 3rd Conference

Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

Page 110

Eight Stages of Self-Realisation :
Exactly like the eight-fold path of self-discipline in Yoga, Haribhadra has given a lucid account of self-realisation according to Jainism. He has given a list of eight stages of self-discipline leading to the complete cessation of all our activities. These stages are styled Mitra, Tara, Bala, Dipra, Sthira, Kanta, Prabha, and Para. Of these, the first four are fallible and unsteady, while the last four are not so. At the first stage one has very faint spiritual light. At the second stage the enlightenment is a bit distinct. One possessing it is in a position to practise selfrestraint. The third stage is possessed of more distinct enlightenment. One possessing it is capable of controlling the various postures. At the fourth stage one gets control over breath. For him, spiritual realisation is more valuable than life. At the fifth stage one is capable of deep thinking and good conduct. He withdraws his senses from external objects. The sixth stage is in the form of internal concentration. At the seventh stage the person develops self-meditation. His power of right discrimination is fully developed. The eighth stage is the consummation of development. The person now attains ecstasy. He gradually destroys all his obscuring (Ghatin) Karmas and achieves omniscience. In course of time the nonobscuring (Aghatin) Karmas are also annihilated. Thus, he attains final liberation and is completely free from all the Karmas.
Professor of Jaina Philosophy, Department of Philosophy. University of Poona, PUNE (Maharashtra)
Knowledge is like food, and becomes ours only when it is absorbed, assimilated and digested by the intellect.
-Key of Knowledge
As water for certain washes away blood, so does the giving of foodto homeless saints, without doubt, destroy the sins incidental to a house holder's life.
-Ratnakaranda Sravakachara
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