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is the vision or perspective that converts such information into true or false knowledge. If the perspective is wrong the interpretation of the information is bound to be wrong and it becomes false-knowledge; if the perspective is right the interpretation is right and the information becomes rightknowledge. Thus, the knowledge and view–point stand together. The right-knowledge gives a person discretion to distinguish the wrong from the right and a frame of mind to accept the right and to reject the wrong. It is this frame of mind which gives rise to actions – wrong or right. If the chain of thoughts is based on right-knowledge the actions will be right and it is bound to be wrong if the opposite is the case."
In this chapter we are dealing with the right-conduct for the Jaina laity in accordance with the right-knowledge preached by the Lords Tīrtharkara, which in turn, is based on the right vision, right--faith, right-belief and right-inclination centred around the soul rather than the mundane. The monastic conduct or the rightconduct for Jaina clergy has been dealt with in the next chapter.
The Householders’ Conduct (Sāgāra Dharma)
The householders' right-conduct that must help him in leading a wholesome life and also keep him moving in the right direction as far as his spiritual progress is concerned has many parts. They range from simply being on the right track to the more rigorous observance of twelve householders' wows and eleven advanced practices (Pratimā). These are being described in this section. On The Right Track -
The least that can be expected of a person having a right-- perspective on things is to lead his life in accordance with ethically accepted norms. These norms are not specific to any particular religion but are universally acceptable norms of leading a
248 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
