Samkit Faith Practice Liberation

SR No.: 007764
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amit B Bhansali
Publisher: Amit B Bhansali
Publication Year: 2015
Total Pages: 447
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 7 MB

Page 52

If that element of self-realisation is removed, mere faith in just dev, guru, and dharma, and the teachings of the Jinaas would be insufficient criteria to signify the presence of samyaktva.
In short, vyavahaara samyaktva cannot exist in isolation. Unless there is self-realisation (nischaya samyaktva), the soul shall not progress on the path of liberation.
Without self-realisation, just faith in the Jain scriptures and in the teachings of the Jain saadhus and saadhvijis, while commendable, cannot lead to liberation. Hence, it is not known as pure, unblemished faith. (Lack of self-realisation is the blemish in such faith.)
In effect, the most important faith of all is faith in the soul faith in its existence, faith in its true nature and faith in its distinctness from the body. That is true faith.
The soul is the most important substance in the whole universe. Deep, unshakeable faith in the existence and true nature of the soul is the final goal of all spiritual endeavours. In this universe, filled with billions and trillions of substances, only the soul is capable of enlightenment, omniscience and liberation. Only the soul can become a Tirthankara. Only a soul can become a Siddha {liberated being residing in moksha}.
The first necessary requirement for nishchaya samyaktva (enlightened perception from the absolute/ transcendental viewpoint) is the experience of the self, faith in the self and a correct understanding of its true nature.
In the 'Yogasara' it is written that there are two main reals in the universe - jiiva (sentient/living being) and ajiiva (insentient/ non-living thing, corporeal or incorporeal). He who understands these fundamentals comes under the category of jiiva. When he sheds all attachment and aversion, he attains liberation.
Absolute self-realisation does not occur until there is deep and unshakeable devotion towards the Tirthankaras (dev), towards the preceptors who attempt to walk on the path of the Tirthankaras (guru), and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, which explain the true nature of the nine substances (nine tattvas) which illustrate and explain the relationship between the soul and karmas (dharma). Correct faith in, knowledge of and conduct as per these elements is the means to self-realisation. Without faith in the Tirthankaras, the preceptors and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, there cannot be faith in the nine (in someway they can be counted as seven also) substances as explained by the Tirthankaras. And without faith in these elements, how will one know them, realise them and internalise them? How then would be liberation be attained?
In truth, deep and unshakeable faith in the Tirthankaras, the preceptors who attempt to walk on the path of the Tirthankaras, and the teachings of the Tirthankaras is crucial as they are the nimittas (catalysts) of self-realisation.
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