Jaina Acara Siddhanta aur Svarupa

Author(s): Devendramuni
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Jaina Acāra : Siddhanta aura Swarupa
Jaina philosophers hold different views with regard to the precedence or otherwise of knowledge and conduct. Some have averred that both come into being together. In 'Uttarādhyayna' the chaper on salvation says that the first to manifest itself is knowledge.Let us take note of the fact that the meaning of 'Darsana' is right attitude and faith. In ease we interpret ‘Darsana' as mere faith, it may very well follow knowledge. Without knowledge faith will be blind. Let knowledge help you to understand things without which there can be no faith..
Like Jainism, Buddhism also has given the highest status to the right knowleldge. This would mean that faith holds the second place. Buddha says in 'Samyuktanikāya' that faith is the companion of man and that intelligence controls it. Buddha never favoured blind faith. However, knowleldge without faith is involved in thorny bushes of the world. In "Visuddhimagga' it is said clearly that a man of firm faith but weak intellect tends to be credulous. Also that an intellectual giant but a pigmy in faith becomes sophistical. A disease born of wrong medicines is hard to cure. So also mere intellect makes one a knave. Hence the wellbeing of a person rests on their unison. The Gitā emphasizes knowledge but also says that it can be attained only by one imbued with faith,
There is more or less unanimity with regard to knowledge and conduct. It is faith alone which guides both knowledge and conduct.
It is ignorance that causes bondage. Amritchandra says that knowledge alone leads to salvation. For want of knowledge vows, rules, regulations,etc. are unsubstantial. Jainism has rightly emphasized both knowledge and conduct. No scriptural knowledge can help a dissolute person. He who regards himself as wise and perfect is verily a fool. Just as a chariot cannot move with a single wheel and a bird cannot fly with only one wing so also there is salvation neither for a wholly intellectual person nor for a practical, wordlywise sort of man. Liberation is effected only when there is perfection in right faith, knowledge and conduct.