$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

SR No.: 000021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee
Publication Year: 2009
Total Pages: 400
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Jaina_Education, 0_Jaina_education, & JAINA Books
File Size: 314 KB

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PHILOSOPHY
From a practical point of view, Samyag Darshan means to have a total faith in the Tirthankars, the Gurus, and the scriptures containing their preaching.
Qualities of Samyag Darshan
There are five internal qualities or "Lakshana" of Samyag Darshan, which we can introspect and see whether these qualities are present in our self.
Ästikya
True Faith in Religion
Anukampa
Nirved
Samveg
Upasham
B02 Jain Path of Liberation - Ratna Trayi
Empathy towards all living beings
Realize that World is full of sorrow
It is important to note that these qualities are internal. The person himself can introspect and know whether these are present or not. Others will not be able to decide.
Only desire left is to achieve Moksha
Feeling of detachment towards worldly objects and relationships
Right Conviction and Right Knowledge together provide a proper understanding towards valid discrimination between what is worthy of rejection and what is worthy of acceptance, which is called Vivek or Bhed Jnän. This stage of spirituality is called realization of truth or self-realization known as Samyaktva (4th spiritual stage Gunasthänak).
02 Samyag Jnän (Right Knowledge)
Right perception or faith makes us realize the reality of life, and the seriousness of our purpose in life. Right knowledge is the true and relevant knowledge of the reality. The knowledge about the existence of the soul, its good or bad action and its effect on the soul, and the possibility of entirely terminating the cycle of life and death by realizing the true nature of the soul is right knowledge.
Nine Tattvas are:
From the practical point of view, right knowledge means the proper knowledge of the six universal substances and nine principles or Nine Tattvas, which defines the relationship between Soul and Nonliving substance (Matter) and doctrine of Soul and Karma.
Six Universal Substances are:
⚫ Soul, Matter, Medium of Motion, Medium of Rest, Space, and Time
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Soul, Non-living elements, Äsrava, Bandha, Punya, Päp, Samvar, Nirjarä, and Moksha
It is not absolutely necessary for a person to have detailed knowledge of above said universal substances or nine Tattvas to have right faith. If one has faith in the existence and energies of the soul and believes that by following the path of non-violence and non-attachment one can advance on the path of perfection, one has the Right Knowledge. A firm belief that the soul, though residing in the body is different from the body and possesses special qualities not found in the body, and by proper spiritual discipline can be free from the cycle of births and deaths is right Knowledge. Right perception or faith is essential in recognizing right knowledge from wrong knowledge (Mithyä Jnän). Right knowledge is free from three main defects: doubt, delusion, and indefiniteness.
03 Samyag-Chäritra and Spiritual Stages (Gunasthänak)
Both right faith and right knowledge lead to right conduct. The realization of truth or Samyaktva leads a person to practice Right Conduct. Right conduct places a great emphasis on non-violence (Ahimsa), compassion, truthfulness, non-stealing, pluralism of views (Anekäntaväda or Syädväda), non-possession (Aparigraha) or limitation of possessions and non-possessiveness, self-purification, self-control, austerity, asceticism, penance, yoga and meditation, as the means of attaining liberation.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015