________________
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GODS.
887 obvious from the fact that people only live up to their beliefs.
Right Knowledge is the detailed knowledge of the process of self-realization without which nothing but confusion can be expected as a result of action. It is the chart which is intended to furnish an accurate description of the path to be traversed, of the obstacles to be encountered on the way and of the means to be adopted to steer clear of them. As no one who has not provided himself with such a chart is ever expected to take his boat successfully across an ocean, so is not the soul that is not provided with Right Knowledge ever likely to land in safety at Nirvana.
Right Conduct is the third essential of success, since without the doing of the right thing at the right moment no desired results can ever be achieved by any one. If Right Faith is the properly directed rudder and Right Knowledge the chart of navigation in the Ocean of Transmigration, Right Conduct is the force which actually propels the barge of being Havenwards.
The scientific validity of these three constituents of the 'Path,' called ratna trai (triple jewel) by the Jaina âchâryas, may be further judged by the fact that it is simply inconceivable how success can possibly crown our endeavours where all or any one of them is wanting.
Taken singly, Right Faith only opens the outlook of life to embrace the highest good, Right Knowledge is merely the diagram of the action to be performed, while Right Conduct is simply inconceivable in the
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org