Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya
The concept of Asoccā kevalī of Jain philosophy also confirms the fact that for the development of spirituality to the highest level, the eligibility is not found any where outside but in the inner purity of a being.
There is an elaborated description of asoccākevalī in the Bhagavatī. Here, we find the information of extreme spiritual development of them. Some people do not listen to the religion propounded by omniscients or their followers even then they are able to attain the spirituality propounded by the omniscients. By getting enlightenment and by renouncing the household life and becoming a monk of an anagāra religion, endowed with celibacy, restraint and inhibition, one can attain extra sensory knowledge such as clairvoyance, mindreading and omniscience.[1]
Asoccā Kevalī means one who has himself discovered the path of self realization in the field of spirituality. He can acquire his own destination (liberation) through his specific methodology of spiritual practice. A detailed explanation of the steps of spiritual progression of an Aśrutvakevalī are given in the Bhagavatī.[2]
Continuation of two days fast for a long period, exposure to intense sun rays standing facing the sun with upraised hands, goodness of nature, peaceful personality, diminution of passions like anger etc., endowed with politeness; with these practices and virtues, one can attain para-clairvoyance and purity. With the power of acknowledging the subtle truth, he attains the right faith and his para- clairvoyance transforms into clairvoyance. So, gradually by destroying the knowledge covering karmas etc., without listening to the spirituality propounded by the omniscients, acquiring it by his own self, a spiritual person achieves salvation. It is a unique concept of Jain religion that it is not essential for a person to listen to a particular religion and get into contact with relevant people of that religion for the purification of the soul. Jain religion is not a supporter of the concept which proclaims' follow our religion, and only then is salvation possible'. It upholds that in which so ever country one lives, whatever outfit one wears and whatever culture one follows, freedom from passion is essential for liberation. kaṣāyamuktiḥ kila muktireiva. Salvation is not possible if there is existence of passion in one's own self. However, with the elimination of passions, salvation is inevitable, and it does not matter whether one follows the Jain Religion or any other.
