Gunasthana in Jainism refers to the Jain theory of 14 distinct stages of emancipation. These are the stages on the path to liberation according to Jain religion.
The first stage is one in which the soul is in ignorance of its true destiny, and this state is termed mithyatva.
The second stage is termed granthi bheda, wherein the individual learns to distinguish between what is false and what is right.
The third stage of mishra is one wherein the soul is in a state of oscillation between the stages of knowledge and doubt.
The fourth stage in Gunasthana is called anivrata samyagdrshi, where in doubts of the individual is resolved.
The fifth stage is termed samayata-samyata, wherein the individual talks the twelve ethical vows.
The sixth stage is known as pramatta, wherein passions are controlled and only a few pramadas or negligence remains.
The seventh stage is called apramatta, wherein anger is subdued and only the factors of greed, deceit, and pride remain to some degree.
The eighth stage of purvakarnana is one in which the conduct becomes perfect.
The ninth step is known as aniyatibadara, pride is overcome, and the individual is devoted to meditation.
The tenth stage can be reached by the advanced ascetic who renounces worldly ambitions. In this stage of sukshma samparya, only traces of the passion of greed remain to some degree.
The eleventh stage is known as upasantamoha, the ascetic destroys the passion of greed.
In the twelfth stage of Kshinamoha, the ascetic is freed from the effects of ghatin karma (effects of action).
The thirteenth stage is known as sayogikevali, the ascetic gains eternal wisdom and infinite bliss. He is therefore a jivanmukta.
In the final fourteenth stage karmic energy is completely dissipated. The ascetic is called a siddha, or self realized. In this final state, the siddha do not become merged in an all-embracing oneness but reach the region of the liberated souls, or siddhashila.
Source – An Encyclopedia of Jainism (1998) Edited by KC Ghosh and PC Nahar – Sri Satguru Publications, Delhi.