Fourteen Gunasthäna (Stages of Spiritual Development)

Introduction

01.  Mithyä-Drashti Gunasthäna

02.  Säsvädana Samyag-Drashti Gunasthäna

03.  Samyag-Mithyä-Drashti Gunasthäna

04.  Avirata Samyag-Drashti Gunasthäna

05.  Deshavirat Shrävak Gunasthäna

07.  Apramatta Samyat Gunasthäna

08.  Apurva -Karan or Nivritti Bädara Gunasthäna

09.  Anivritti -Bädara Gunasthäna

10.  Sukshma -Samparäya Gunasthäna

11.  Upashänt -Moha Gunasthäna

12.  Kshina Moha Gunasthäna

13.  Sayogi Kevali Gunasthäna

14.  Ayogi Kevali Gunasthäna

Introduction

For a simple definition of Gunasthäna, we may quote from the book "Outlines of Jainism" by Shri J.  L.  Jaini that says as under:

"In Jainism fourteen stages are indicated through which the soul progresses from impure state to the final pure state of liberation (Siddha).  The psychical condition of the soul due to the rising, (Uday), partly settling down and partly perishing of Karma matter (Kshayopasham) is called "Gunasthäna".

In Jainism, the Gunasthänas or simply Gunasthänas describe the path, modalities and pre-requisites for the bonded soul (Bahirätmä) to become liberated soul (Paramätmä) through the path of internal progress (by becoming Antarätmä).  The process begins with the soul, which is at the lowest stage from times immemorial circulating in the whirlpool of births and deaths due to lack of true knowledge and true conduct.  Since there is a divine spark in every soul (without which it will not be a living being), it is struggling to find its true identity and potential of becoming liberated.  Thus, a constant struggle is going on between forces of darkness of wrong belief (Mithyätva), which try to keep the soul tied down to the Sansär (worldly existence) on the one hand; and forces of light of true belief (Samyaktva), which try for its liberation on the other.  In the long run there comes a chance when by reducing its Karma load, the forces of light (Samyaktva) prevail and the soul is able to break the shackles of Mithyätva (wrong belief), just like a piece of straw or paper is able to escape out of a whirlpool.  This is like cutting the Gordian knot and is also called Granthi Bhed in Jain terminology.  Once this happens, the soul is set on the road of rising Gunasthänas.  In other words, the pilgrim has found his path and the Pilgrim's Progress has begun which may ultimately lead to the liberation of the soul though it may take millenniums and millenniums.  During this progress through different Gunasthänas, the soul has to encounter ups and downs and also very unusual and unprecedented experiences during the ascent on a Sreni (a ladder).

Two Srenis (Ladders)

These are the two spiritual ladders, one of suppression/subsidence of Karma and other of complete annihilation.  Obviously only the latter can lead to liberation; the former may lead back to lower stages, though it may temporarily mean progress.  They are named Upasham Sreni (suppression ladder) and Kshapak Sreni (annihilation ladder) according to their nature.

Further, the Gunasthänas denote a purely spiritual exercise - the fourteen classifications relate to the spirit or the soul though it is embodied.  The progression or regression is of the soul and is on a spiritual scale and according to spiritual yardsticks.  It cannot be seen or observed in the physical world.

Though the stages of spiritual development relate to the soul or are of the soul, they directly result from and are immediately caused by Karma (matter) contaminating the soul.  The worse and intense the association of Karma with the soul, it leads to the lower the stage of the soul in this categorization.  Conversely lesser and lighter the Karma load on the soul, the higher and better is the stage it attains.

Karma may appear as the immediate cause determining Gunasthänas, but since Karma in turn accrue, arise or subside by Yoga (activity), Kashäya (passion), Pramäda (negligence), Avirati (indiscipline) and Mithyätva (false faith) as seen earlier; these ultimately are responsible for soul's progress or downfall.  As the Yoga, Kashäya, etc. are committed by the soul itself with or without other conditions participating in the final and ultimate analysis, it is the soul itself that determines its Gunasthäna or its development or downfall.

Though only fourteen stages are identified there are innumerable points on the path of liberation on which the soul transits up and down or at which it stays - just like numerous points or stations on a railways route though the path is identified by a few important or junction stations.  The soul has been on this path since times immemorial and will be so till its final liberation, which is its final destination being the completion of spiritual development.

The Gunasthäna, on which the soul may be, varies from moment to moment depending on its Karma Uday (operation of karmas) or Kshayopasham (destruction and suppression of karmas) or Räga and Dvesha (attachment and aversion) or Yoga and Kashäya, (activity and passion), just as the blood pressure of a person varies from moment to moment.  To identify the Gunasthäna of a being exactly at any moment is only possible for the Keval Jnäni (the Perfect Being) since it is a purely spiritual barometer.  It is not possible to assess by ordinary beings who can only form some idea by the external conditions, circumstances and behavior of the beings.

The movement of the beings from one Gunasthäna to another is not in strictly numerical order i.e. first to second and so on, but the soul moves up and down on the spiritual path according to logical rules e.g. from first Gunasthäna the soul transits straight to the fourth, but it may regress to third or second on its path to the first for reasons given herein-later.

We will know more about them as we briefly describe each of the fourteen Gunasthänas, in the subsequent paragraphs.

The 14 stages of spiritual development are as follows:

01.  Mithyä-Drashti Gunasthäna

This is the lowest or first stage, wherein the soul, due to manifestation of Mohaniya (Deluding) Karma, does not believe in the Right Path to salvation.  The characteristic mark of this Gunasthäna is perversity of attitude towards truth; or unbelief in the truth taught by the Jin in its entirety.  The soul, at this stage, has the minimum degree of right vision and very indistinct enlightenment - just enough that is required for a living conscious soul.  A soul may find itself in this stage abinitio or may come to it from higher stages but the reason is the same i.e. the manifestation of Deluding or Mohaniya Karma.  From this stage, a soul rises only to the fourth stage for the very first time and not to the second or the third as will be described later. In this Gunashthäna, all 28 types of Deluding (Mohaniya) Karma are in manifestation.

02.  Säsvädana Samyag-Drashti Gunasthäna

This is the second higher stage where the soul finds itself for a very short time on its downward journey to the first stage, but with some taste or memory of the still higher stage.  A soul has attained the higher stage due to arising of true belief or enlightenment for a short duration due to suppression of Deluding (Mohaniya) Karma.  However, due to the re-manifestation of the same Karma of acute type it goes back to the first stage staying for a minimum period in the second stage with taste of true belief lingering which has given it the name of a Gunasthäna with a taste.  From this stage, it only goes down to the first Gunasthäna viz., Mithyätva.

03.  Samyag-Mithyä-Drashti Gunasthäna

This third stage is marked by indifference towards true belief, the soul being in a mixed state of belief and non-belief in the true doctrines.  This condition arises on account of manifestation of mixed Deluding Karma in soul at a higher stage (Fourth) from which the soul comes down to this stage.  The stay in this third stage is also of very short duration and is transitional, the soul going down to the first stage of complete unbelief-Mithyätva, or making a recovery and rising up to the higher stages with right faith.

04.  Avirata Samyag-Drashti Gunasthäna

In this stage the soul though having been blessed with Right Belief and Right Knowledge is not able to proceed on the path of right Conduct in as much as it is not capable of adopting the vows for the lack of will, power and energy.  The path of salvation consists of all the three elements being viz., right belief, right knowledge and right conduct, the last one consisting of vows.  Due to operation of Karma, the being may have Right faith and Right knowledge and even know and accept the vows of Right conduct, but due to weakness, it is not able to properly practice the vows.  The right faith may be due to suppression (Upasham) or annihilation (Kshaya) of Faith Deluding Karma as a result of which the being attains this stage from stage (i) Mithyätva.  The barrier on conduct is due to rise of Conduct Deluding Karma on the other hand.  As such from this stage, the way is open for the soul to rise or fall.  In the case of rise, it may proceed forth to higher stages by suppressing the Karma or annihilating them.  In case of a fall, it goes to stage (ii) and thence to stage (i); or to stage (iii) and further on as stated earlier.

In any case, the souls that have once touched this Gunasthäna, must reach their destination of Nirvän though it may take time; the maximum limit of which is Ardha (half) Pudgal Parävartan or a very long time.

In this Gunsthäna, three types of Faith Deluding (Darshan Mohaniya) Karma and four Anantänubandhi Kashäya (these seven Karma are called Darshan-saptak) are either suppressed, eradicated or combination of both.

05.  Deshavirat Shrävak Gunasthäna

When a being gathers sufficient will and power to persevere on the path of spiritual and moral progress, it adopts the Vows (Minor vows) meant for laymen (Shrävak) thus partially refraining from sins ensuring partial self-control.  Thus it achieves this stage number five, though due to partial manifestation of Deluding Karma it is still not able to completely renounce the world which is required for the next stage.  This is the highest stage possible for a layman, hereafter all higher stages require adoption of asceticism by renouncing the world for achieving complete self-control.  This stage is important because it is a starting point for the being to adopt Right Conduct and to begin discarding undisciplined life- (Avirata) though only partly. In this Gunsthäna, Darshan-saptak and four types of Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya are suppressed, eradicated or combination of both.06.  Pramatta Samyat Gunasthäna

In this stage of spiritual development, the soul renounces the world completely ensuring complete self-control by adopting all the major vows prescribed for a Sädhu for purity of conduct.  However, occasionally it tends towards negligence (Pramäda), hence the name is Pramatta or negligent Samyat Gunasthäna.  These manifestations are essentially the product of the Karma bondage of deluding (Mohaniya) type.  Depending upon the dispensation of Karma the being may land down in stage (v) Deshavirat or even in stage (iv) of Avirata Gunasthäna from this stage.  However, if it is able to adjure negligence (Pramäda) it may progress to the next higher stage No.  (vii) Apramatta Samyat Gunasthäna.  The salient feature of this stage is completely disciplined life by adoption of all the five Major Vows (Mahä-Vrata). This means complete dedication to the practice of Three Jewels, - Right faith, Right Knowledge and Right conduct which is prescribed as the royal road leading towards liberation.  Thus, in this stage second cause of Bondage of Karma i.e. Avirati is also discarded by the soul. In this Gunsthäna, Darshan-saptak, four types of Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya and four types Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya of are suppressed, eradicated or combination of both but negligence (Pramäd) exists.

07.  Apramatta Samyat Gunasthäna

Herein are Sädhus who have not only adopted all vows and self -control but who adjure negligence (Pramäda) completely.  From this stage of spiritual development, the soul may go down to stage (vi) of Negligence or may progress on the pathways called Srenis (ladder), which may be due to the Suppression of the Karma known as Upasham Sreni or Kshapak Sreni known as Annihilation of the Karma.

If the soul goes to stage, (vi) it can come back to this stage (vii) and this process of going back and forth can continue for a long time, till death or till one of the Srenis is attained. Souls cannot go any higher than this stage (vii) during this 5^th Ärä (time segment of Avasrpini cycle) from this Bharat-Kshetra. In respect of Srenis also, only Kshapak Sreni (annihilation of Karma) can ensure complete liberation (and not the Upasham Sreni).  The inclination and preparation for these Srenis takes the being to the next stage, number eight, called Apurva Karan Gunasthäna.

From this stage (vii) to stage (x) the soul purifies itself by progressively reducing passions or Kashäyas.  Of course, Mithyätva, Avirati, and Pramäda have been discarded already.  This stage is therefore, the beginning of the four stages of progressive purity, which prepare the soul for the higher stages xi, xii and xiii.  At the same time, this stage being on the border is full of chances of downfall of the soul to lower stages due to Karma manifestation and due to Pramäda (negligence) etc.

In this Gunsthäna, Darshan-saptak, four types of Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya and four types Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya of are suppressed, eradicated or combination of both and no negligence (Pramäd) exists.

08.  Apurva -Karan or Nivritti Bädara Gunasthäna

As implied by its name this stage involves unprecedented (Apurva) attainments by the soul facilitating for it, the path of liberation.  These are destruction of intensity (Rasaghäta) and duration (Sthitighät) of bound Karma.  Through such processes of purification, the soul begins to ascend on one of the two Srenis i.e. either the Upasham Sreni (Suppression ladder) or Kshapak Sreni (Annihilation ladder).  Some of the other processes the soul undergoes for the sake of rise on the Srenis are called Gunashreni i.e., reduction in the duration of Karma and Gunsankram i.e. conversion of harsh Karma into the mild ones.  All these important events in the evolution of the soul are unusual and unprecedented; therefore, the name given to this stage is Apurva (Unprecedented) Karan Gunasthäna.  Lest it be ignored, the fact is reiterated that all these events in the sphere of activities of the soul are due to the Karma - old and new and their manifestation, suppression or annihilation.

In this Gunsthäna, Darshan-saptak, four types of Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya and four types Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya of are suppressed or eradicated.

09.  Anivritti -Bädara Gunasthäna

A stage of even greater purity of thought than the earlier one, this stage takes the soul to the verge of enlightenment.  In this stage, the soul continues further purification based on one of the two Srenis (ladders) started in the eighth Gunasthäna; - Upasham (suppressing of Karma) or Kshapak (Annihilation of Karma), which determines its future destiny.  However, in this stage there is the possibility irking of Deluding (Mohaniya) Karma manifesting in their crude (Bädara) form.  The striking feature of this stage is high degree of suppression or destruction of Karma with resultant purity of the soul and progress to the next stage.  However, if the soul allows itself to be afflicted by Karma it may go back to lower stages too.

In this Gunsthäna just as 7^th Gunasthäna, Darshan-saptak, four types of Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya, four types Aprtyäkhyäni Kashäya and six No-Kashäya (Laughter, etc.) of are suppressed or eradicated.

10.  Sukshma -Samparäya Gunasthäna

In this stage of high degree of purity of the soul, there do remain some traces of Deluding Karma (Mohaniya) in the form of minutest degree of subtle greed.  If this is also overcome the soul progresses to stage 11 or 12.  If the soul suppresses (Upasham) the subtle greed, then the stage 11 is reached.  If the soul annihilates (Kshaya) it, then the stage 12 is reached.

Henceforth the distinction between the two Srenis is marked, as there is no liberation from Upasham Sreni, while the Kshapak Sreni leads to Moksha – as will be explained later.

This is the stage up to which both Yoga (activities) and Kashäya (passions) are present, though the later is of a very minute extent or Sukshma degree.  It does not allow the soul to go to higher stages, 11 and 12, which require suppression or destruction of remaining passions respectively.  If this does not happen, the soul may sink back to lower stages afflicted not only by Kashäyas but also negligence, vowlessness and unbelief. In this Gunsthäna, all types of Deluding Karma except Samjvalan Lobha (Subtle Greed) are suppressed or eradicated.

11.  Upashänt -Moha Gunasthäna

By suppressing completely all Kashäyas including subtle greed (in the Tenth Gunasthäna) the soul attains this stage (also known as Upashänt Kashäya) for a short while.  However, it is only suppression or subsidence (and not annihilation) of the Karma, like dirt settling down in water.  Therefore, as soon as this suppression (Upashaman) stops, Karma manifest themselves and the soul sinks back to the lower stages.  Further, in this stage Jnänävaraniya Karma hampers the soul and, therefore, it is still Chhadmastha (a person in the state of bondage).  For obvious reasons this Gunasthäna lasts for a very short duration, and as there is no scope for rise the soul descends to lower stages even landing in the first, the lowest Gunasthäna.  The depth to which the soul may sink depends upon the Karma of particular type and the Kashäya (Passions) afflicting the soul.  However, such a soul can stage a recovery even in the same lifetime and attain liberation passing through different stages rising via Khsapak Sreni. In this Gunsthäna, all types of Deluding Karma are suppressed.

12.  Kshina Moha Gunasthäna

The soul that is able to destroy completely the subtle greed remnants of Mohaniya (Deluding) Karma in the tenth Gunasthäna attains this stage (also known as Kshina Kashäya), as it is on the Kshapak Sreni, bypassing the (11th) stage, which was for the Upasham Sreni.  This is a stage of almost the highest purity of meditation, whereby the soul also destroys the other Karma viz; Jnänävaraniya, Darshanävaraniya and Antaräya.  At the end of this stage the soul becomes omniscient - Keval Jnäni- and enters the (13th) stage of Sayogi-Kevali, which is the stage of omniscience.  However, in this 12^th stage the soul is still not perfect, but is only Chhadmastha, as the name of this Gunasthäna indicates.  This is due to the part Bondage of Major or Ghäti Karmas, which the soul sheds in the last moments of this stage for progress to the next stage of perfect knowledge etc.  This is made possible by the soul as it has given up passion or Kashäya completely and resultantly the Ghäti Karma are eliminated.  As such, this stage is important as a stepping- stone to liberation or Moksha. In this Gunsthäna, all types of Deluding Karma are eradicated.

13.  Sayogi Kevali Gunasthäna

This is the stage where all the Kashäyas (passions) are destroyed and, therefore, the Ghäti and Sämparäyika Karma (Karma with passion) are eliminated and the soul is blessed with Perfect Perception (Samyak Darshan), Perfect Knowledge (Samyak Jnän), Perfect Conduct (Samyak Chäritra) and Perfect Prowess (Virya).  It is the stage of godhood known as Kevali, Jin or Arihanta in Jain terminology.  Only Aghäti Karmas remain that keep the soul embodied and they also come and go without further binding the soul.  A lot can be written on this stage, which is not possible of complete description by words.  Here only Yoga (simple activities of mind, speech and body) remain, but since they are passionless, they do not bind the soul.    Such a state may last for a short time, or the duration may be very long too.  Some of such souls are called Tirthankars who lay the foundations of the true path and preach the true religion for the guidance of the Sangha (four -fold order).  Therefore, they are given precedence over the liberated souls- the Siddhas- in the Navakär Mantra. In this Gunsthäna, all types of Ghäti Karma are eradicated.

14.  Ayogi Kevali Gunasthäna

This is the last and momentary stage of duration equal to time taken in uttering five small vowels.  During this stage, even Yoga, stops and all the remaining Aghäti karmas are simultaneously exhausted by the soul and it leaves the body and attains liberation (Nirvän)-free from further births and deaths in the world.  This is achieved by the soul engaging in the highest type of meditation known as Shukla Dhyäna, in which all types of subtle as well as gross physical, vocal and mental activities or Yoga stops.  The result is a state of complete motionlessness, internal and external, known as Shaileshi-karana, for the short duration equal to the time taken in uttering five vowels.  This is followed by liberation (Nirvän) not only from the body, but also from worldly existence and also Karma Bondage for all times to come.

This brief description of Gunasthäna can be closed with some further remarks to throw light on their salient features from the point of view of spiritual development.  The first three stages are marked by external activity of the soul, when it is involved with things other than itself and the soul is Bahirätmä (Extrovert).  From stage, four to stage twelve it becomes Introvert or Antarätmä- concerned with its own welfare.  In the last two stages, the soul attains godhood and is called Paramätmä – (the perfect soul).

From the point of view of Karma Bondage it has to be noted that the five causes (Mithyätva, Avirati, Pramäda, Kashäya and Yoga) thereof, determine (along with the Bondage) the stage (Gunasthäna), and their presence or absence result in regression or progression of the soul on these stages, respectively.

·         When all the five causes of Bondage persist in the soul, it remains in the first stage of Mithyätva and the third stage of Samyag-Mithyä-Drashti.

·         When the soul gets rid of Mithyätva (False Vision) but if the other four causes subsist, it can rise up to stages number two, four and five-Säsvädana, Avirata and Deshavirat.

·         By getting rid of Avirati or (Undisciplined life) the soul can reach stage number six-Pramatta Virat-because Pramäda or negligence is persisting.

·         By getting rid of Pramäda, the soul reaches stage seven or Apramatta Virat and if capable, continues to the stage Ten Sukshma Samparäya through further purification.

·         Thus from stage (vii) to stage (x) only two causes of Bondage remain viz.; Kashäya (Passions) and Yoga.

·         By freeing itself from passions, (Kashäya) the soul can reach up to stages (xi), (xii) and (xiii) called Upasham Moha, Kshina Moha and Sayogi Kevali.

·         At the end of stage, number (xiii) the soul stops also Yoga and enters stage (xiv) - Ayogi Kevali state for a very brief moment and relinquishes the body thus achieving liberation or Mukti.

The following table provides clearer relationships between Gunshthäna and causes of Karma Bondage, Meditaion (Dhyäna), Leshyä (States of Mind) and type of soul:

It will thus be clear from the above that the whole scheme of Gunasthäna is derived according to the principle of decreasing sinfulness and increasing purity of the soul and lessening of the Karma bondage.  To progress on this scale, the being has to eliminate each of the causes leading to Karma bondage in the successive order stated above (i.e. Mithyätva, Avirati, Pramäda, Kashäya and Yoga) one by one. Thus, one can bring refinement in its own qualities (the Guna), and therefore the name-fourteen stages of Progress of the soul -the Fourteen Gunasthäna.