Jain Digest 2008 07

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 18

mood, self absorption.
d. Anukampa: Compassion towards all living beings, treating every one with respect, always thinking well of others, charity work (Dravya Daya) as well engaging in activities designed to show the path of religion to the people who are not on that path (Bhav Daya).
c.Astha (Astikya): Total and unwavering faith in
the teachings of Tirthankaras. Always believing that Tirthankaras who acquired perfect knowledge (Keval Jnän) had no reason to misguide or preach the wrong path. Their only motive was to guide the souls towards the path of emancipation by sharing their knowledge and
experience.
Two important points are worth noting:
1. The sequence shown above is in the order of importance. These virtues in reality are developed in the opposite order. This means the starting point is Astha -the total faith in the teachings of tirthankars and the ending point is Upsham.
2. The person with Samyag Darshan exhibits the above virtues-implying that Samyag Darshan is the cause and virtues are the effect. But the reverse is also true! The efforts to develop the above virtues could also result in one acquiring Samyag Darshan.
These virtues do not manifest in their highest form until one achieves Keval Jnän. The important point to remember is that what is needed is just a humble beginning with Astha with the right attitude. Using this strong foundation as a spring board, one moves up as he perfects the other steps.
Steps to maintain Samyag Darshan
Jain masters have identified several ways to maintain and reinforce the virtuous state of Samyag Darshan. They have advised to resolve doubts in the teachings of Tirthanakaras soon after they arise and never to retain them. They have further recommended to stick to one's own religion and use interfaith exposure only to strengthen one's own faith, avoid suspicion in the outcome of one's efforts, and suggested not praising any Mithyatvi in public
thus- albeit unintentionally- promoting his deluded path
of liberation.
To reinforce Samyag Darshan, Jain sages have recommended continual self study and contemplation, participating in the religious rituals, staying in touch with
monks, nuns, scholars and the like minded community members. They have also asked them to use their wealth and talents to help the Jain community and promote JAINISM actively in the public at large.
Practical Suggestions to start the process
Jain Education Intemational
Since total faith in the teachings of Tirthankaras is the first critical step for Samyag Darshan and since Tatvarth Sutra and Theory of Karmas contain the core teachings, it may be a good idea for us to start with a few very simple books on these two topics. We need to focus on the parts we can relate to in every day life and skip the parts that are
difficult to comprehend in the first go around. We need to
look at the real message instead of getting bogged down into the details.
Most importantly, we need to contemplate on the material learned and try to integrate it with day to day life.
If we put our heart and soul into the above steps and do so every day for a long time, our life will change
and hopefully the lightening will strike one day! Conclusion:
Through this article, I have made a humble attempt to address just the overall concept of Samyag Darshan and hope it inspires the readers to pursue further and study it in more details. There is a vast amount of knowledge available on each and every aspect of Samyag Darshan.
It is possible that we may not be able to comprehend fully and/or achieve Samyag Darshan during this life time. But this should not discourage us from making a beginning. More we dig in, more enlightened we will become. The good news is that the time spent on this critical issue will never be a loss because the understanding we develop in this life will stay with us in the next life and beyond.
Another important point to remember is that to achieve the level of Samyag Darshan expected at the 4th gunsthanak, we do not have to have an in depth knowledge of scriptures, nor does it require a full compliance with the canonical rules of living a moral and ethical life. But it does require a total faith in the basic teachings and a dramatic shift in our thought process and feelings. Thoughts and feelings are important because they eventually lead to attitudes, attitudes become beliefs, and beliefs become the basis and documented this process in minute details and we for actions. Fortunately, the Jain sages have discovered are fortunate that they have shared with us their process
knowledge which offers hope and promise for us all.
(This article reflects my current understanding of
Samyag Darshan based upon interpretation of the material listed below and a review by a few Jain scholars. Please read it a few times and study it critically to get the most benefit. Although I have spent a fair amount of time in preparing it, I do recognize the limitations of my own comprehension as well as the limitations of language. Please contact me at Vora5000@yahoo.com if you have suggestions for improvement.)
References for samyag Darshan article
16/JAIN DIGEST⚫ Fall 2008