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104
A Treatise on Jainism
Knowledge both are two distinct attributes of Jiva. They respectively are obscured by two destructive Karmas, Darshanavaraneeya and Jnanavaraneeya. On the attainment of Right Belief, the knowledge then becomes Right Knowledge; but because of the existence of knowledge-obscuring Karma in operation, it not perfect. Therefore it is necessary to make constant endeavours for advancement of knowledge as long as Omniscience is not evolved. The Conquerors (Jinas) have called Right Knowledge the effect and Right Belief the cause. Lamp and light go together; still the lamp precedes the light, and light cannot be said to precede the lamp. In the same way there is relation of cause and effect between Right Belief and Right Knowledge, though both are almost simultaneous.
It should be free from three main defects: (a) Doubt (Samashaya) (b) Perversity (Vipar. yaya), and (c) Indefiniteness or Vagueness (Anadhyavasaya). Practical Right Knowledge is the acquisition of the detailed knowledge of all the seven principles, explained previously, with the help of the Jain Scriptures and should be free from the above said 3 main defects. Real Right Knowledge is to know
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