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Salvation-path of Jainism :: 53
basic ingredients, namely, right belief, right knowledge and right conduct, are called ratna-traya or the three jewels in Jaina works.
It is pertinent to note that these three are not severally considered as different paths but are thought to form together a single path. That is why it is firmly maintained that these three must be present together to constitute the path to salvation. Since all the three are emphasised equally, since moksamärga, i.e., way to salvation, is impossible without the unity of all the three, it is obvious that Jainism is not prepared to admit any one of these three in isolation as means of salvation.
In view of this firm conviction in Jainism, the Jaina works always strongly emphasise that the three must be simultaneously pursued. This conviction is brought home by some effective illustrations. For example, it is contented that to effect a cure of a malady, faith in the efficacy of a medicine, knowledge of its use, and actual taking of it; these three together are essential; so also, to get emancipation, faith in the efficacy of Jainism, its knowledge and actual practising of it, these three are quite indispensable. Similarly, the Mokşamārga, i.e., the path to salvation, is compared in Jaina works to a ladder with its two side poles and the central rungs forming the steps. The side poles of the ladder are right belief and right knowledge and the rungs or steps of the ladder are the gradual stages of right conduct. It is obvious that it is possible to ascend the ladder only when all the three, i.e., the side poles and the rungs, are sound. The absence of one makes the ascent impossible.
Thus a simultaneous pursuit of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct is enjoined upon the people as the only proper path to salvation in the Jaina scriptures. Further, the ethical code prescribed by Jainism for both the householders and the ascetics is based on this three-fold path of liberation. Hence it is quite necessary to see the main characteristics of these 'Jewels' which constitute that
path.
