________________
117
SHRIMAD BHAGVAD GITA-A JAIN PERSPECTIVE
to teach him how to act. "Action" means putting the principles in to practice. Such actions mould the charcter of the individual concerned. Soul's progress cannot be assured by the actions of one whose character (Charitra) is defective.
The above process is quite logical and scientific. It reminds one of the Jain formula of "Ratna Trayi" which is the formula prescribing three jewels of "Darshan", "Jnana and "Charitra" i.e. Faith, knowledge and character which are necessary for spiritual progress. One who has full faith does try to gather real knowledge and after obtaining knowledge he tries to mould his character accordingly because it is well said that "
fara:"Jnanasya Falam Viratihi” i.e. “Fruit of knowledge is practice. Jains would say "Padhamam Nanam Tao Daya" (action is followed by knowledge). According to Jainism. these three qualities must be "Samyag" i.e. "Proper". As the learned Acharya Umaswati
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
