Book Title: Mahavira His Life and Teachings Author(s): Bimla Charn Law Publisher: Luzac and Co UKPage 94
________________ TEACHINGS 87 all sentient beings. And the kevala-jñāna is defined in the same text as omniscience enabling a person to comprehend all objects, to know all conditions of the world of gods, men, and demons: whence they come, where they go, where they are born, etc? Knowledge, as represented in the Angas and other texts of the Canon, is rather religious vision, intention or wisdom than knowledge in a metaphysical sense. The samyak darśana or right faith consists in an insight into the meaning of truths as proclaimed and taught, a mental perception of the excellence of the system as propounded, a personal conviction as to the greatness and goodness of the teacher, and a ready acceptance of certain articles of faith for one's guidance. Samyak darśana is intended to remove all doubt and scepticism from one's mind, and to establish or re-establish faith It is such a form of faith as is likely to inspire action by opening a new vista of life and its perfection. Right faith on the one hand, and inaction, vacillation, on the other, are mutually incompatible. 1 Ācārānga, II, 15. 23 ? Ibid , II, 15. 25. Uttarādhyayana, XXXII, 2. • Ibid., XXVIII, 16–28. Note the nine kinds of obstruction to right faith in ibid., XXXIII, 5. 6.Page Navigation
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