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## The Five Ornaments of Right Faith (Samyaktv)
**1. Non-Violence (Ahimsa)** - The first ornament of right faith is non-violence. It is the foundation of Jainism and encompasses refraining from harming any living being, both physically and mentally.
**2. Influence (Prabhavana)** - The second ornament is influence, which manifests in various ways:
* **Knowledge Influencer (Vidya Prabhavaka)** - One who has mastered various knowledge disciplines like Prajnapti, Rohini, etc., and uses this knowledge to guide others. They use their wisdom to overcome obstacles, hardships, and calamities faced by the community.
* **Power Influencer (Siddhi Prabhavaka)** - One who possesses various powers like Vaikriya, Anima, etc., and uses them for the benefit of the community. They employ techniques like Anjan, Padalepa, etc., for the welfare of the Sangha.
* **Poetry Influencer (Kavya Prabhavaka)** - One who creates literary works like prose, poetry, etc., to inspire people towards righteous conduct and strengthen their faith. They use their writing to influence the community towards Dharma.
These eight types of influencers contribute to the spread of Jainism according to their abilities and the circumstances of time and place. Therefore, influence is considered the second ornament of right faith.
**3. Devotion (Bhakti)** - The third ornament is devotion, which involves serving the Sangha (community) with humility and respect. The Sangha consists of four types: Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravakas, and Shravikas. The primary members are Sadhus and Sadhvis.
Devotion manifests in various ways:
* **Respecting Elders** - Standing up to greet those who are more knowledgeable and virtuous, welcoming them with folded hands, offering them a seat, and accepting their seat before taking one's own.
* **Honoring and Worshipping** - Showing respect and reverence to those who are more virtuous.
* **Following Behind** - Walking behind those who are more virtuous.
These eight forms of respectful behavior constitute devotion, which helps to eliminate the eight karmas.
* **Serving the Sangha** - Serving the members of the Sangha, including Acharyas, Upadhyayas, Tapasvis, newly initiated Sadhus, the sick, the family, the virtuous, the Sangha, the knowledgeable, etc.
* **Providing Support** - Providing food, water, clothes, utensils, shelter, bedding, cushions, and seats to those who deserve it.
* **Caring for the Sick** - Providing medical care and assistance to the sick.
* **Helping in Difficult Situations** - Assisting those who are facing difficulties.
* **Removing Obstacles** - Removing obstacles and hardships faced by the Sangha.
All these acts of service constitute devotion, which enhances the beauty of the Sangha. Therefore, devotion is considered the third ornament of right faith.
**4. Skill in Jainism (Kushalata)** - The fourth ornament is skill in Jainism, which involves understanding the principles of Dharma and resolving the doubts and problems faced by the followers. This skill helps to keep people grounded in the Sangha and motivates them to serve the community.
**5. Service to the Tirtha (Tirthaseva)** - The fifth ornament is service to the Tirtha, which is like a landing place on the shore of the ocean of life. It helps us to cross the ocean of Samsara (cycle of birth and death) safely. There are two types of Tirthas:
* **Dravya Tirtha** - A place where a Tirthankara was born, initiated, attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience), and attained Nirvana. These places are considered sacred and are visited by devotees.
* **Bhava Tirtha** - The Sangha itself, consisting of Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravakas, and Shravikas.
The service to the Tirtha involves serving the Sangha in the ways mentioned earlier. This service adds to the beauty of right faith.
These five ornaments of right faith are essential for spiritual progress and liberation. They guide us towards a life of non-violence, compassion, and devotion, leading us closer to the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).