Introduction to Jaina Sadhna

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 51

44: An Introduction to Jaina Sādhanā
right conduct proceeds from right attitude and right attitude proceeds from right conduct. Mahāvira has instructed a course of discipline in which the co-existence of action with knowledge and faith is indispensable. Though priority of right knowledge over right conduct is accepted, it cannot lead to liberation unless it is followed by right conduct. The Sūtrakrtānga (2/1/3) reveals, "whether a man is a Brahmin or a bhikṣu or a knower of many scriptures, he would suffer on account of his actions, if they are not good. It is also said in the Uttarādhyayanasūtra (6. 11 ) that knowledge of various languages and many scriptures have no enriching effect on self. Those who are adicted to vice and regard themselves as learned are really ignorant. They offer only verbal satisfaction to their souls. In the Āvasyakaniryukti ( 9.11 ) Ācārya Bhadrabāhu says, Even the knower of many scriptures cannot cross the ocean of the world (Saṁsāra) if his actions are not good. In bringing out the mutual relationship of knowledge and action on the basis of 'blind-lame simile' (Andha-pangu-Nyāya ), the Acārya further says, "Just as a chariot on one wheel cannot move, and a blind or a lame cannot reach the destination by himself, in the same way mere knowledge or mere action cannot lead one to liberation. It is attainable only through the presence of both." Right Conduct
After dealing with right faith and right knowledge we shall now discuss right conduct. In Jainism right conduct has been explained from two angles. From the real point of view, right conduct is a state in which soul is completely free from passions and perversities. It is the state of self awareness and self absorption. In this state self enjoys his own very nature and remains undisturbed from the external motivations. It is the state of equanimity of mind which is known in Jainism as sāmāyika or samiti. Acārya Kundakunda in Pravacana-sāra (1.7) says: