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Knowledge and Conduct in Jaina Scriptures
(By Principal Kalipada Mitra, M. A., B. L., Sahitya-kaustubha.)
In the Upanishad it is said:
नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन ।
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enferen graferentizāt antemnfga: I नाशान्तमानसो वापि प्रज्ञानेनैनमाप्नुयात् ॥
The self cannot be gained by scripture-knowledge (Vedic knowledge), nor by intellect, nor by extensive learning.
He who has not cut off his attachment to wicked conduct, who is not tranquil, nor subdued, nor has his mind in peace, can by mere knowledge, reach self.
Here knowledge itself, howsoever great, availeth not, but what is of greater importance is conduct, which by causing cessation of wickedness, subjugation of passions, and creation of peace and tranquillity can help self-realisation.
In the Jaina scriptures too by far the greatest importance is attached to Samyama (). I am quoting a few sutras by way of illustrating the point.
सामाइयमाईयं सुयनाणं जाव बिंदुसाराओ | तस्सवि सारो चरणं सारो चरणस्स निव्वाणं ॥
The knowledge of scriptures (a) begins from sāmāyikam and extends to Bindusara. But caranam surpasses śrutajñānam in value. Indeed caranam is action known as samvara (ngai a :), check or restraint.
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
But it may be said that both jina and kriyā are necessary for the attainment of moksa, for the saying is that without knowledge
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