Aspects of Jaina Religion

Author(s): Vilas Sangve
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith

Page 61

Salvation-path of Jainism :: 57
of mada or pride: jñāna (learning), pūjā (worship), kula (family), jāti (caste, or contacts and family connections), bala (power or one's own strength), riddhi (wealth or affluence or accomplishments), tapas (penance or religious austerities and vapus (body or person or beautiful form or appearance).
It is obvious that all or any one or more of these kinds of pride are likely to disturb the equlibrium of mind, and create likes or dislikes for men and matters. In such a case understanding is likely to be erroneous, if not perverted. Naturally an inflated notion of oneself on any one of these grounds is likely to cloud the vision. Hence it is necessary that for the blissful drawn of right belief there should be an effacement of these types of pride. (5) Glory of Right Belief
The Jaina works describe at length the glory of right belief and enumerate the benefits which can be accrued by a person possessing right belief. They go to the extent of declaring that asceticism without faith is definitely inferior to faith without asceticism and that even a low caste man possessing right belief can be considered better fit to attain moral dignity.
In short, the Right Belief is given precedence over Right Knowledge and Right Conduct, because it acts as a pilot in guiding the soul towards moksa, i.e., salvation. Further, there can be no rise, stability, growth and fulfilment of knowledge and character, unless they are founded on right belief or faith.
3. Right Knowledge (1) Relation between Right Belief and Right Knowledge
It is considered desirable that on attaining right belief one should strive after right knowledge. As regards the relationship between right belief and right knowledge it has been specifically stated that although right belief and right knowledge are contemporaneous, there is yet a clear relation of cause and effect between them, just as it is between a lamp and its light. It is true that lamp and light go together, still