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1.2.7. Eight Limbs of Samyaktva
Let us now examine the eight limbs of samyaktva. Just as limbs are essential for the body to function, the limbs of samyaktva need to be in excellent shape for the attainment of samyaktva.
Even if a person has attained samyaktva, if one of the limbs of samyaktva are missing, then his samyaktva is significantly flawed.
The UttaraadhyayanaSuutra states the eight limbs of Samyaktva thus:
"Nissankiyam-nikkhankhiya-nivvittiginchaa-amoodhdhitthiya-uvavooha-thirikaranevachcchalla-pabhaavane-attha." ~ Uttaraadhyayana Suutra; Verse 2.28.31 (Page 151, Author: Lilambai Mahasatiji, Publisher: Gurupraana Foundation, (Parasdham, Ghatakopar) Mumbai, year 2009)
The eight limbs of samyaktva are nihshankitaa {faith in the teachings of the Jinaas), nishkaanshataa {no desire to gain something by following the teachings of the Jinaas), nirvichikitsaa {lack of doubt in the path of the Jinaas, Amuudhadrishti {correct understanding in the teachings of the Jinaas), upabrimhana {expand the faith), sthiriikarana {help others stabilize their faith), vaatsalya {spontaneous affection for co-religionists) and prabhaavanaa (spreading the glory of the Tirthankaras).
These eight limbs of samyaktva add great lustre to the conduct of the seeker of liberation who has attained samyaktva. One who inculcates these eight limbs in his life shall benefit from the manifestation of samyaktva in his life.
Let us therefore examine the eight limbs individually.
1. Nihshankitaa {undoubting faith in the teachings of the Jinaas}
Shanka means fear and doubt. One who has attained samyaktva is free from seven types of fear. They are:
1. Aaloka bhaya (fear of worldly mishaps} 2. Paraloka bhaya (fear of the other world 3. Aadaana bhaya (fear of deprivation 4. Akasmaat bhaya (fear of accidents 5. Vedanaa bhaya (fear of physical agony} 6. Apayasha bhaya {fear of ignominy} 7. Marana bhaya (fear of death
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