परमार्थसोपान GENERAL INTRODUCTION I PADAS If we make a comparative study of the Philo- sophies and Religions of the world, and especially of the lives and teachings of those who in the various stages of humanity and in different ages and lands have walked on the path of God, we shall see that there are certain broad characteristics common to the Pathway, which they have all pursued in the attain- ment of God. These might for convenience sake be summarised under five heads. First, there are certain incentives which prompt men to spiritual life -philo- sophical, axiological and psychological. Then there is the question of moral and spiritual preparation which they must tackle before they can hope to advance on the Pathway. Thirdly, they have to keep before them- selves certain exemplars of conduct and attainment which they must necessarily follow. This they cannot do unless they have defined to themselves, both theo- retically and practically, the nature and functions of God in relation to the exemplars above mentioned. When the relationship between the exemplars and God has been defined, they have to tread the path them-
