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|| Om Arhate Namah || 2. The Nature of Right Faith (Samyaktvam)
Previously, the description of a worthy householder, a follower of the path, was given. However, the Shravak Dharma is for a special worthy householder who is endowed with the twelve vows, including the five Anuvratas. This Shravak Dharma, which is based on the twelve vows, is rooted in Right Faith (Samyaktvam).
Therefore, we now explain the nature of Right Faith, the foundation of Shravak Dharma. 57. The five Anuvratas, the three Gunavratas, and the four Shikshavrata; these twelve vows together constitute the Shravak (householder) Dharma, which is rooted in Right Faith. ||1||
Meaning: The five Anuvratas, the three Gunavratas, and the four Shikshavrata; these twelve vows together constitute the Shravak (householder) Dharma, which is rooted in Right Faith. ||1||
Explanation: The root cause of the Shravak vows is Right Faith (Samyaktvam). In other words, Right Faith is the foundation of the twelve vows. The five Anuvratas, such as non-violence, are called Anuvratas because they are smaller than the Mahavrata (great vows). They are the fundamental virtues. The three Gunavratas, such as those related to direction, measurement, etc., are called Gunavratas because they are the virtues that lead to liberation. The four Shikshavrata, such as Samayik, are called Shikshavrata because they are meant to be practiced repeatedly. This is why the Shikshavrata are distinguished from the Gunavratas. Out of these twelve vows, the five Anuvratas and the three Gunavratas are generally observed by the householder Shravak for their entire life. ||1||
Since the twelve vows are rooted in Right Faith, we now explain the nature of Right Faith. 58. The understanding of the divine (Arhant, etc., the liberated ones) as divine, the understanding of the Guru as worthy of respect, and the pure understanding of Dharma; this is called Right Faith. ||2||
Meaning: The understanding of the divine (Arhant, etc., the liberated ones) as divine, the understanding of the Guru as worthy of respect, and the pure understanding of Dharma; this is called Right Faith. ||2||
Explanation: We will explain the characteristics of divinity, worthiness, and Dharma later. Essentially, Right Faith is defined as the pure, unwavering faith in the divine, the Guru, and Dharma, free from ignorance, doubt, and wrong perception. Although the same interest in the principles of Jina is also a characteristic of Right Faith for both the Sadhus and the Shravaks; however, for householders, it is appropriate to establish the reverence for the divine, the Guru, and the principles of Dharma, and to perform worship and practices accordingly. Therefore, for them, Right Faith is defined as the understanding of the divine, the Guru, and the principles of Dharma.
There are three types of Right Faith: Aupashmik, Kshayopa-shmik, and Kshayik. Aupashma refers to the state of non-arising of the four karmas that are destroyed by the destruction of false belief (Mithyatva-mohaniya karma) and the four infinite karmas (Anantanu-bandhi karma) - anger, pride, deceit, and greed, which are like fire covered with ashes. Right Faith with this type of Aupashma is called Aupashmik Right Faith. It lasts for a moment (Antarmukhurta) and is experienced by the soul that has been in the state of false belief (Mithyatva) since beginningless time. It is experienced by beings in all four realms of existence. Alternatively, it is experienced by a seeker who has ascended the ladder of Aupashma. Therefore, the scriptures state that a person who has ascended the ladder of Aupashma experiences Aupashmik Right Faith. Alternatively, a person who has not performed the three bundles (of karmas) but has destroyed false belief (Mithyatva) attains Aupashma Right Faith.
The second type of Right Faith, Kshayopa-shmik Right Faith, is the complete destruction (Samul-nash) of the four karmas that are destroyed by the destruction of false belief (Mithyatva-mohaniya karma) and the four infinite karmas (Anantanu-bandhi karma) that have arisen, and the non-arising of those that have not arisen. This type of Right Faith, which is characterized by both destruction (Kshaya) and non-arising (Aupashma), is called Kshayopa-shmik Right Faith. The Right Faith associated with Kshayopa-shma is called Kshayopa-shmik Right Faith. This Right Faith is also called Vedak Right Faith because it involves the experience of the fruits of good deeds. Aupashmik Right Faith, on the other hand, is devoid of the experience of the fruits of good deeds. This is the difference between Aupashmik and Kshayopa-shmik Right Faith. The knowers of truth have said, "In Kshayopa-shmik Right Faith, the soul experiences the fruits of good deeds to some extent.
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